Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants of the World. 10 volumes. 2012. illus. (col.) gr.8vo. Hardcover.

Medicinal plants have played an essential role in the development of human culture, for example religions and different ceremonies. Many of the modern medicines are produced indirectly from medicinal plants, for example aspirin. Medicinal plants are resources of new drugs. It is estimated there are more than 250,000 flower plant species. Studying medicinal plants helps to understand plant toxicity and protect human and animals from natural poisons. Cultivation and preservation of medicinal plants protect biological diversity, for example metabolic engineering of plants. This encyclopaedia delineates for the readers the uses and relevance of plants as sources of medicine. It provides illustrations of medicinal plants, as well as an understanding of their anatomy, morphology, physiology and the chemicals present in them which make them so valuable. It is designed to be a comprehensive reference tool for health authorities, scientists and pharmacists and to the general public. It is earnestly hoped that it will be an authoritative source to which one can turn with confidence for meaning and knowledge of the common, specialised and latest terms in herbal medicine and allied fields. Further, it also brings in contemporary developments and trends in the field. -
Vol. 1: Africa
Vol. 2: Europe
Vol. 3: North America
Vol. 4: Latin America
Vol. 5: Southeast Asia
Vol. 6: New Zealand and Australia
Vol. 7: China
Vol. 8: The Philippines
Vol. 9: Nepal
Vol. 10: India