Medicinal plants and plant-derived medicine are widely used in traditional cultures all over the world and they are becoming increasingly popular in modern society as natural alternatives to synthetic chemicals. As more and more natural remedies are being commercialised, there is a need for a user-friendly reference guide to the plants and their products.

Medicinal Plants of the World gives the reader a bird's eye view of more than 350 of the best known medicinal plants of the world and their uses, in a compact, colourful and scientifically accurate reference text. It provides quick answers to the most obvious questions: Where does this plant originate? What does it look like? In which culture is it traditionally used? What is it used for? Which chemical compounds does it contain? How safe is it? What is known about its pharmacological activity? What evidence is there that it is effective?

The authors also provide short overviews of the various health conditions for which medicinal plants are used and the active compounds (secondary metabolites) found in the plants and their modes of actions.

This new edition has an additional 30 plant species, many new and improved photographs and the text has been fully updated to reflect the latest regulatory status of each plant.

Ben-Erik van Wyk is a professor of botany at the University of Johannesburg, South Africa. His scientific field of interest is in plant classification, ethnobotany, and useful plants. Michael Wink is a professor of pharmaceutical biology and a director of the Institute of Pharmacy and Molecular Biotechnology at the University of Heidelberg in Germany. He is an authority on secondary metabolites of plants and their pharmacological effects.

1 Preface
2 Introduction
3 Medicine Systems of the World
4 Plant Parts Used
5 Dosage Forms
6 Use of Medicinal Plant Products
7 Active Ingredients
8 Quality Control and Safety
9 Efficacy of Medicinal Plant Products
10 Regulation of Herbal Remedies and Phytomedicines
11 The Plants in Alphabetical Order
12 Health Disorders and Medicinal Plants
13 Overview of Secondary Metabolites and Their Effects
14 Quick Guide to Commercialised Medicinal Plants
15 Glossary
16 Further Reading
17 General Index
18 Acknowledgement and Photo Credits