Hemant Lata – författare

This volume explores the unique botanical wealth of high altitude medicinal plants, examining their ecological significance, traditional uses, and the urgent need for conservation.For millennia, humans have turned to plants not only for sustenance and shelter but also for healing. Nowhere is this relationship more profound—and more at risk—than in the alpine regions of the world’s great mountain ranges. These high-altitude ecosystems, though rich in medicinal biodiversity, are fragile and increasingly threatened by both natural forces and human exploitation.This comprehensive volume opens with an exploration of the physiological adaptations that enable these plants to survive in extreme altitudinal and climatic conditions. Subsequent chapters are dedicated to their ethnobotanical and traditional uses, as well as their phytochemistry and bioactive compounds with potential for phytopharmaceutical applications. The book also examines the challenges of uncontrolled wild harvesting and trade and addresses short- and long-term conservation strategies, including micropropagation and cryopreservation. The socio-economic importance of these plants in supporting mountain livelihoods is also evaluated. Finally, the book outlines future strategies for ensuring the sustainable use and preservation of this invaluable botanical heritage.From ancient wisdom to cutting-edge propagation techniques, High Altitude Medicinal Plants is a vital resource for botanists, pharmacologists, and conservationists in both academia and industry. With a focus on sustainable practices, this book also serves as a guide to safeguarding these invaluable natural treasures for future generations.

This book highlights current Cannabis research: its botany, authentication, biotechnology, in vitro propagation, chemistry, cannabinoids biosynthesis, metabolomics, genomics, biomass production, quality control, and pharmacology.Cannabis sativa L. (Family: Cannabaceae) is one of the oldest sources of fiber, food and medicine.  This plant has been of interest to researchers, general public and media not only due to its medicinal properties but also the controversy surrounding its illicit use. Cannabis has a long history of medicinal use in the Middle East and Asia, being first introduced as a medicine in Western Europe in the early 19th century. Due to its numerous natural constituents, Cannabis is considered a chemically complex species. It contains a unique class of terpeno-phenolic compounds (cannabinoids or phytocannabinoids), which have been extensively studied since the discovery of the chemical structure of tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC), commonly known as THC, the main constituent responsible for the plant’s psychoactive effects. An additionally important cannabinoid of current interest is Cannabidiol (CBD). There has been a significant interest in CBD and CBD oil (extract of CBD rich Cannabis) over the last few years because of its reported activity as an antiepileptic agent, particularly its potential use in the treatment of intractable epilepsy in children.

This book highlights current Cannabis research: its botany, authentication, biotechnology, in vitro propagation, chemistry, cannabinoids biosynthesis, metabolomics, genomics, biomass production, quality control, and pharmacology. Cannabis sativa L.

Plant-based medicines play an important role in all cultures, and have been indispensable in maintaining health and combating diseases. The identification of active principles and their molecular targets from traditional medicine provides an enormous opportunity for drug development. Using modern biotechnology, plants with specific chemical compositions can be mass propagated and genetically improved for the extraction of bulk active pharmaceuticals. Although there has been significant progress in the use of biotechnology, using tissue cultures and genetic transformation to investigate and alter pathways for the biosynthesis of target metabolites, there are many challenges involved in bringing plants from the laboratory to successful commercial cultivation. This book presents the latest advances in the development of medicinal drugs, including topics such as plant tissue cultures, secondary metabolite production, metabolomics, metabolic engineering, bioinformatics and future biotechnological directions.