Herbal medicine : biomolecular and clinical aspects

The global popularity of herbal supplements and the promise they hold in treating various disease states has caused an unprecedented interest in understanding the molecular basis of the biological activity of traditional remedies. Herbal Medicine: Biomolecular and Clinical Aspects focuses on presenting current scientific evidence of biomolecular effects of selected herbs and their relation to clinical outcome and promotion of human health. It includes experimental approaches for looking at the bioactive components in herbs. This book also addresses the ethical challenges of using herbal medicine and its integration into modern, evidence-based medicine. Drawing from the work of leading international researchers in different fields, this volume contains an in-depth scientific examination of effects of individual herbs, as well as their use in the treatment of important diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, dermatologic disorders, neurodegenerative disease, and diabetes. Due to the strong associations between oxidative stress, ageing, and disease, the powerful antioxidant properties of herbs and spices are also examined. The herbs featured are some of the most widely used remedies and cover a wide range, including flowering herbs, fruits and berries, roots and rhizomes, and fungi. The fact that composition of natural products can vary greatly and contamination and misidentification can occur are important issues in the use of herbal medicines. To help bring a new level of quality control to the production of herbal extracts, the use of mass spectrometry and chemometric fingerprinting technology is presented as a means for improved identification and authentication of herbs. As the need for effective, affordable health promotion and treatment increases, especially in the growing ageing population, there is a need for rigorous scientific examination of herbal medicines. This timely and comprehensive volume addresses this need and is an important text for medical professionals and researchers, as well as those interested in herbal or complementary medicine.