Herbal Medicine: Biomolecular and Clinical Aspects, Second Edition

by Benzie; Iris F. F.

• ISBN13: 9781439807132
• ISBN10: 1439807132
• Edition: 2nd
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2011-03-28
• Publisher: CRC Press

Summary

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 Aspectsfocuses 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.

Table of Contents

Series Preface	p. ix
Foreword	p. xi
Preface	p. xiii
Editors	p. xv
Contributors	p. xvii
Herbal Medicine: An Introduction to Its History, Usage, Regulation, Current Trends, and Research Needs	p. 1
Antioxidants in Herbs and Spices: Roles in Oxidative Stress and Redox Signaling	p. 11
Evaluation of the Nutritional and Metabolic Effects of Aloe vera	p. 37
Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus L.)	p. 55
Cordyceps as an Herbal Drug	p. 73
Cranberry	p. 107
The Amazing and Mighty Ginger	p. 131
Biological Activities of Ginseng and Its Application to Human Health	p. 157
Ganoderma lucidum (Lingzhi or Reishi): A Medicinal Mushroom	p. 175
Pomegranate Ellagitannins	p. 201
Medical Attributes of St. John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum)	p. 211
Health Benefits of Tea	p. 239
Turmeric, the Golden Spice: From Traditional Medicine to Modern Medicine	p. 263
Biomolecular and Clinical Aspects of Chinese Wolfberry	p. 289
Botanical Phenolics and Neurodegeneration	p. 315
Cardiovascular Disease	p. 333
Herbs and Spices in Cancer Prevention and Treatment	p. 361
Herbal Treatment for Dermatologic Disorders	p. 383
Diabetes and Herbal (Botanical) Medicine	p. 405
Bioactive Components in Herbal Medicine: Experimental Approaches	p. 419
Ethics of Using Herbal Medicine as Primary or Adjunct Treatment and Issues of Drug-Herb Interaction	p. 439
Integration of Herbal Medicine into Evidence-Based Clinical Practice:Current Status and Issues	p. 453
Index	p. 465
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