Handbook of Aromatic and Medicinal Plants

Aromatic plants are type of plants that have a characteristic flavor and aroma. Medicinal plants are the plants that are used in traditional medicine practices. Plants synthesize many chemical compounds for functions such as defense against fungi, insects, herbivorous mammals and diseases. There are many plant compounds that have established biological activity. Pharmacologically active substances are discovered by drug research within the discipline of ethnobotany. Some of the common compounds that have medicinal properties and are derived from plants are opium, quinine, digoxin and aspirin. Most of the compounds belong to four biochemical classes. These are alkaloids, polyphenols, glycosides and terpenes. This book unfolds the innovative aspects of medicinal plants and aromatic plants which will be crucial for the progress of this field in the future. It includes some of the vital pieces of work being conducted across the world, on various topics related to aromatic and medicinal plants. This book is a vital tool for all researching or studying aromatic and medicinal plants as it gives incredible insights into emerging trends and concepts.