The study of plants and other natural sources in order to determine if
they can be used to make drugs is known as pharmacognosy. It also
includes the study of the physical, biochemical, chemical and biological
properties of drugs along with its substances. It is mainly concerned
with the analysis of natural product molecules that are useful for their
medicinal, ecological and gustatory properties. It is a broad field that
encompasses various biological subjects such as microbiology, marine
biology, botany and herbal medicine. All plants produce phytochemicals
during their normal metabolic activities. These chemicals are divided
into primary and secondary metabolites. The primary metabolites include
sugars and fats commonly found in all plants. The secondary metabolites
are found in lesser number of plants and serve a more defined function.
These can have therapeutic effects on humans, and can be refined to
produce drugs such as quinine. This book contains some path-breaking
studies in the field of pharmacognosy. It consists of contributions made
by international experts. The book will serve as a valuable source of
reference for graduate and post graduate students.
