Dinesh Chandra Agrawal – författare

Since ancient times, plants have been used as a prime natural source of alternative medicines and have played an important role in our lives. The old tradition of medicinal plant application has turned into a highly profitable business in the global market, resulting in the release of a large number of herbal products. People have tried to find different sources of medicines to alleviate pain and cure different illnesses. Due to severe constraints of synthetic drugs and the increasing contraindications of their usage, there is a growing interest world over in the usage of natural products based on medicinal herbs, hence, there is an ever expanding market of herbs and herbal based medicinal preparations all over the world. This has culminated into an exponential increase in number of research groups in different geographical locations and generation of volume of research data in the field in a short span of time.

The path breaking advancement in research methods and interdisciplinary approaches is giving birth to newer perspectives. Therefore, it becomes imperative to keep pace with the advancement in research and development in the field of medicinal herbs.

There are a large number of researchers in different parts of the world working on various aspects of medicinal plants and ‘herbal medicines’. The idea is to bring their recent research work into light in the form of a book.

The proposed book contains chapters by the eminent researchers in different countries and working with different disciplines of medicinal plants. Articles pertain to different disciplines such as:

1. Resources and conservation of medicinal plants

2. Biosynthesis and metabolic engineering of medicinal plants

3. Tissue culture, propagation and bioreactor technology of medicinal plants

4. Phytochemical research on medicinal plants

5. Herbal medicines and plant-derived agents in cancer prevention and therapy

6. Herbal medicines and plant-derived agents in metabolic syndrome management

7. Herbal medicines and plant-derived agents in modulation of immune-related disorders

8. Herbal medicines and hepatotoxicity

The book will prove itself an asset for the researchers, professionals and also students in the area of medicinal plants and mechanism of their action.

This book highlights the latest international research on different aspects of medicinal plants and fungi. Studies over the last decade have demonstrated that bioactive compounds isolated from medicinal fungi have promising antitumor, cardiovascular, immunomodulatory, anti-allergic, anti-diabetic, and hepatoprotective properties. In the light of these studies, the book includes chapters (mostly review articles) by eminent researchers from twelve countries across the globe working in different disciplines of medicinal plants and fungi. It discusses topics such as the prevention of major neurodegenerative and neurotoxic mechanisms by Centella asiatica; the medicinal properties and therapeutic applications of several mushrooms species found in different parts of the world; and fungal endophytes as a source of bioactive metabolites including anticancer and cardioprotective agents. There are also chapters on strategies for identifying bioactive secondary metabolitesof fungal origin; the use of genomic information to explore the biotechnological potential of medicinal mushrooms; and solid state fermentation of agro-industrial and forestry residues for the production of medicinal mushrooms.

It is a valuable resource for the researchers, professionals and students working in the area of medicinal plants and fungi.

   Medicinal mushrooms are increasingly gaining attention worldwide because of their pharmacologically bioactive compounds, which have demonstrated potent and unique clinical properties. Scientific studies carried out during the last decade have confirmed their efficacy in treating a wide range of diseases. Extracts and bioactive compounds obtained from mushrooms have been used medicinally as anticancer, immunomodulator, antibacterial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, anti-atherosclerotic, neuroprotectant, cardioprotectant, antioxidant, and anti-hypoglycemic agents, and in stem cell-based therapies.

Introducing readers to the latest developments in, and ongoing research efforts on, medicinal mushrooms, this book gathers articles contributed by eminent researchers in different disciplines and from around the globe. Highlighting the tremendous potential of mushrooms for the development of new drugs, the topics covered include but are not limited to:

The book reviews complete patent literature on hemp from the publication of the first patent in 1856 till the end of 2020, providing an excellent insight into hemp’s business growth and future potential for industrial applications along with region- and sector-wise patenting activity concerning industrial hemp. In addition, articles describe the applications of hemp-derived green materials for building construction, wastewater treatment, and water purification.  

The book will be useful as a referencebook for students, researchers, farmers, business houses, and individuals interested in industrial hemp for commercial aspects, sustainable development, farming, and other hemp-derived innovative products.   

The text describes cannabis/marijuana’s detailed legal aspects, production prospects, and applications for healthcare and recreational purposes in the USA. It traces the traditional roots of cannabis use in Turkey, Israel, the Middle East, Africa, and India.  

This unique compendium of articles will be useful as a reference book for students, researchers, academics, business houses, and all individuals interested in medicinal, nutraceutical, cosmeceutical, traditional, legal, and commercial aspects of cannabis usage.

The book presents new and novel perceptions about ailments alleviating the effects of several mushroom species. Also, the book highlights the curative role of medicinal mushrooms on some peripheral and central diseases. Various chapters in the book (primarily reviews) have been dedicated to providing the therapeutic efficacy of mushrooms against respiratory illnesses, gut microbiota, COVID-19, dementia, epilepsy, mental ailments, cancers, cardiovascular, kidney-related diseases, and other common pathologies. Thus, medicinal mushrooms are current and future consumable healthcare products that usually exhibit nourishing properties and possess prophylactic and therapeutic values with minimal adverse effects and contraindications. The book focuses on Sustainable Development Goal (SDG 3) to promote healthy lives and well-being for all.