The endocrine system
Chapter 19 The endocrine system Phytomedicines are often used in the treatment of hormonal disorders, although they are not a substitute for hormone replacement, whether for insulin in diabetes, or…
Traditional systems of herbal medicine
Chapter 12 Traditional systems of herbal medicine Introduction All modern medicine is derived originally from ancient herbal traditions. These have evolved to produce the conventional medicine known in the West,…
Toxicity of herbal constituents
Chapter 10 Toxicity of herbal constituents Most toxic effects of herbal medicines are due to the poor quality of the product. For example, herbal medicines may be adulterated with synthetic…
Miscellaneous supportive therapies for stress, ageing, cancer and debility
Chapter 25 Miscellaneous supportive therapies for stress, ageing, cancer and debility Although their effects are very difficult to evaluate, preventative medicines are extremely popular with patients and are an essential…
The reproductive tract
Chapter 20 The reproductive tract Drugs used in hormonal disorders have been covered in Chapter 19. Other drugs that are used in obstetrics, including substances used in childbirth, and genitourinary…
Ethnobotany and ethnopharmacy
Chapter 5 Ethnobotany and ethnopharmacy Many drugs that are commonly used today (e.g. aspirin, ephedrine, ergometrine, tubocurarine, digoxin, reserpine, atropine) came into use through the study of indigenous (including European)…
What makes phytomedicines unique?
Chapter 11 What makes phytomedicines unique? Phytomedicines have particular attributes, which are not encountered when using synthetic drugs or single compounds. Although many natural products have been isolated and are…
Complementary and Alternative medicine
Chapter 13 Complementary and Alternative medicine In addition to rational phytotherapy, which is a science-based, empirical approach to the use of medicinal plants in the treatment and prevention of disease,…
