This text focuses on underutilized wild plants that can help to reduce food deficiency in developing nations. Edible wild plants are viewed as a potential solution for overcoming food insecurity for families in these regions, with a specific focus on sustainable production and conservation measures. Detailed analysis of specific wild plants is provided, including the nutritional contents of each plant. A full list of edible wild plants is included for the benefit of researchers, plus a pictorial guide for easy identification of these plants. Specific case studies are provided in which edible wild plants are used to reduce food insecurity, and the diversity of edible wild plants is studied from a global perspective. In developing countries, a significant obstacle to human survival is the increasing gap between food availability and the growing human population. Food insecurity results in less consumption of fruits and vegetables and leads to mineral and vitamin deficiency for individuals in these regions. Edible Wild plants: An alternative approach to food security focuses on growing and using wild plants in order to reduce food insecurity and malnutrition. Wild edible plants are inexpensive and are a rich source of antioxidants, vitamins, fiber, and minerals. As the first book to specifically focus on edible wild plants and their vital role in food security and nutrition, this text is incredibly valuable to any researcher studying innovative potential solutions to food deficiency in the developing world.

Salinity is one of the acute problems causing enormous yield loss in many regions of the world. This phenomenon is particularly pronounced in arid and semiarid regions. Halophytes can remove salt from various types of problematic soils due to their unique morphological, physiological and anatomical adaptations to these environments. Halophytes are also used for the treatment of certain diseases but scientific documentation in terms of current phytotherapic applications is deficient in this unique group of plants. Different ethnic groups around the world use medicinal halophytes according to their own beliefs and ancestor’s experiences. However, their knowledge about the use of salt tolerant medicinal plants is usually confined to their own community. There is thus a knowledge gap on halophytes which should be bridged and preserved. This book provides a comprehensive account on the distribution of halophytes, their ethnobotanical and medicinal aspects, economic importance, and chemical constituents along with scientific description. The book therefore serves as a valuable resource for professionals and researchers working in the fields of plant stress biology and ethnobotanical aspects.

Substitution and adulteration in traded herbal raw material are common practice in the herbal industry due to the extinction of required species, deforestation and incorrect taxonomical identification. Herbalists have adopted methods to create high quality adulteration which cannot be detected without performing microscopic examination or chemical analysis. It is difficult to establish specific quality control standards due to the complex nature and innate unpredictability of the chemical constituents of medicinal herbs.The main parameters for measurement and adulteration prevention in medicinal herbs are morphological and microscopic investigation, chemical profiling and DNA barcoding. The need for highly sensitive and more effective approaches for the authentication of medicinal herbs is necessary in order to promote the acceptance of herbal products. Adulteration In Traditional Medicinal Herbs is aimed at promoting awareness of adulteration in traditional herbal medicines for the worldwide scientific community. Parameters are established for the prevention of adulteration through classical and modern scientific tools. Valuable case studies are presented based on ethno-medicinal surveys performed in many herbal markets in Pakistan. Collections of various samples were obtained from these shops then compared with the original plants collected from field. Various phytochemical, organoleptic and DNA barcoding techniques were used in order to detect adulteration in the marketed herbal samples. This book is the first of its kind and is aimed at helping the scientific community to identify particular medicinal plants which are facing adulteration problems in herbal markets and to estimate the extent of adulteration and substitution in commonly used medicinal herbs.

Biodiesel a fuel substitute produced from vegetable oils, animal fats, or algae is one of the most important renewable natural resources for agrarian countries. The justification for developing biodiesel as an alternate fuel is manifold, and rising crude oil prices and the vulnerability of energy security have made biodiesel necessary and inevitable. The Practical Handbook on Biodiesel Production and Properties has assembled and analyzed the recent trends of biodiesel research, production, and implementation. It includes practical guidance on the identification of plant resources and their distribution, botanical description, palynology, oil extraction, production process, and biodiesel yield. The production and usage of biodiesel will strengthen the agricultural sector, provide energy to remote areas without access to conventional energy, contribute towards economic development, and increase industrial activity. Drawing on both scientific and participatory processes, this book enables the successful utilization and commercialization of biofuel technology.

The Himalayan region is among the largest mountains systems of the world with uncounted unique medicinal plants resources. The lesser Himalayas ranges are the extension of Greater Himalayas. They have unique ecology, vegetation and diversity of medicinal flora due to tremendous variation in the altitude, climate and associated wildlife.

The utilization of medicinal plants in medicine suffers from the fact that although plants are used to treat diseases, scientific evidence is lacking in many cases. Different societies of the world use the plants according to their own beliefs and knowledge and previous experiences. Their knowledge about the use of the plants is usually not known to the other world or science. This book provides a brief introduction of Lesser Himalayas, ethnobotanical aspects, marketing and anthropogenic pressure on medicinal flora. It comprises one hundred medicinal plant species including Pteridophytes, Gymnosperms and Angiosperms (Monocots and Dicots) along with their scientific description and traditional uses.

Substitution and adulteration in traded herbal raw material are common practice in the herbal industry due to the extinction of required species, deforestation and incorrect taxonomical identification. Herbalists have adopted methods to create high quality adulteration which cannot be detected without performing microscopic examination or chemical analysis. It is difficult to establish specific quality control standards due to the complex nature and innate unpredictability of the chemical constituents of medicinal herbs.The main parameters for measurement and adulteration prevention in medicinal herbs are morphological and microscopic investigation, chemical profiling and DNA barcoding. The need for highly sensitive and more effective approaches for the authentication of medicinal herbs is necessary in order to promote the acceptance of herbal products. Adulteration In Traditional Medicinal Herbs is aimed at promoting awareness of adulteration in traditional herbal medicines for the worldwide scientific community. Parameters are established for the prevention of adulteration through classical and modern scientific tools. Valuable case studies are presented based on ethno-medicinal surveys performed in many herbal markets in Pakistan. Collections of various samples were obtained from these shops then compared with the original plants collected from field. Various phytochemical, organoleptic and DNA barcoding techniques were used in order to detect adulteration in the marketed herbal samples. This book is the first of its kind and is aimed at helping the scientific community to identify particular medicinal plants which are facing adulteration problems in herbal markets and to estimate the extent of adulteration and substitution in commonly used medicinal herbs.

Medicinal flora plays an important role in health care systems across the world. Out of the half million flowering plants, around 50.000 species are valued for their therapeutic properties. During the last few decades, 20% of the world's population used plants and/or their derived products as a source of medicine. WHO stated that 80% population around the globe, specifically the rural communities, depend on medicinal plants for their basic healthcare needs. To this end, plant-based phytochemicals are known to have hepato-protective, anti-carcinogenic, anti-allergic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant actions. This book is a guide to ~280 plant species of medicinal flora that demonstrates global relevance. Our goal is to share local knowledge about phytomedicines to a worldwide audience. It is an illustrated reference that documents and preserves the existing knowledge on these plant taxa, with a social and cultural (ethnobotanical) emphasis. This book also provides comprehensive and useful information about traditional uses of medicinal plants by the local communities for the treatment of various prevalent diseases. It contains comprehensive descriptions of each species including family, synonyms, English name, distribution, altitude, habitat, morphological description, life form, part used, mode of utilization, diseases category, recipes, other medicinal uses, phytochemical activity and toxicity.

The Himalayan region is among the largest mountains systems of the world with uncounted unique medicinal plants resources. The lesser Himalayas ranges are the extension of Greater Himalayas. They have unique ecology, vegetation and diversity of medicinal flora due to tremendous variation in the altitude, climate and associated wildlife. The utilization of medicinal plants in medicine suffers from the fact that although plants are used to treat diseases, scientific evidence is lacking in many cases. Different societies of the world use the plants according to their own beliefs and knowledge and previous experiences. Their knowledge about the use of the plants is usually not known to the other world or science. This book provides a brief introduction of Lesser Himalayas, ethnobotanical aspects, marketing and anthropogenic pressure on medicinal flora. It comprises one hundred medicinal plant species including Pteridophytes, Gymnosperms and Angiosperms (Monocots and Dicots) along with their scientific description and traditional uses.

Biodiesel-a fuel substitute produced from vegetable oils, animal fats, or algae-is one of the most important renewable natural resources for agrarian countries. The justification for developing biodiesel as an alternate fuel is manifold, and rising crude oil prices and the vulnerability of energy security have made biodiesel necessary and inevitable. The Practical Handbook on Biodiesel Production and Properties has assembled and analyzed the recent trends of biodiesel research, production, and implementation. It includes practical guidance on the identification of plant resources and their distribution, botanical description, palynology, oil extraction, production process, and biodiesel yield. The production and usage of biodiesel will strengthen the agricultural sector, provide energy to remote areas without access to conventional energy, contribute towards economic development, and increase industrial activity. Drawing on both scientific and participatory processes, this book enables the successful utilization and commercialization of biofuel technology.

Medicinal flora plays an important role in health care systems across the world. Out of the half million flowering plants, around 50.000 species are valued for their therapeutic properties. During the last few decades, 20% of the world's population used plants and/or their derived products as a source of medicine. WHO stated that 80% population around the globe, specifically the rural communities, depend on medicinal plants for their basic healthcare needs. To this end, plant-based phytochemicals are known to have hepato-protective, anti-carcinogenic, anti-allergic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant actions. This book is a guide to ~280 plant species of medicinal flora that demonstrates global relevance. Our goal is to share local knowledge about phytomedicines to a worldwide audience. It is an illustrated reference that documents and preserves the existing knowledge on these plant taxa, with a social and cultural (ethnobotanical) emphasis. This book also provides comprehensive and useful information about traditional uses of medicinal plants by the local communities for the treatment of various prevalent diseases. It contains comprehensive descriptions of each species including family, synonyms, English name, distribution, altitude, habitat, morphological description, life form, part used, mode of utilization, diseases category, recipes, other medicinal uses, phytochemical activity and toxicity.

The history taking and communication skill stations are amongst the most difficult postgraduate examinations, where candidates more commonly fail due to an inability to communicate properly with the patient, rather than due to lack of knowledge. Authored by experienced postgraduate examiners, this book offers students a wealth of real-life scenarios in multi-conversational styles, using a seven-step approach to help them understand the questions and provide clear and succinct answers. The scenarios are similar to those most frequently encountered in examinations and the model answers are in a typical style expected between doctor and patient, also taking into account candidates for whom English may not be their first language. The comprehensive text is enhanced by illustrations and figures to assist learning and will be useful not only to candidates preparing for postgraduate clinical examinations, but also to undergraduate students. Key points Provides real-life, conversational-style scenarios between doctor and patient to help students prepare for postgraduate history taking and communication skill examinations Uses a seven-step approach to help postgraduates understand questions and provide clear and succinct answers Scenarios typical of those used in examinations Authored by experienced postgraduate examiners

This book describes ethnobotanical exploration, taxonomic evaluation and nutraceutical assessment of twenty different edible wild fruit species. The detailed study includes taxonomy, morphology, organoleptography, micromorphology, palynology and ethnobotanical uses. The research project provides vital information for the selection and promotion of edible fruits, for increased utilization and better nutrition. These wild edible fruits not only serve as a source of nutrients and as an alternative and unorthodox source of food but also as good medicine.

This book describes the taxonomic and systematic studies of some important medicinal plants of Dir valley, Pakistan. The information regarding morphological and palynological characterization along with pollen fertility estimation of about 50 species of 37 genera belonging to 7 families are studied in detail. Morphological characters help in understanding the adaptation and differentiation in particular environment while the pollen morphology and its fertility estimation is closely related to its function and many of the pollen features helped the species to adapt the life on particular geography and disperse its pollen in successful manner to fertilize the egg for the production of a new plant. The data derived from the research can contribute to the taxonomy of these families and may provide new dimensions towards further research in the discipline of morpho-palynological systematics.

In the modern time, medicinal plant resources are being depleted by the increase of population and excessive biotic activities. If this trend of constant depletion of medicinal plants persists, this may cause an acute paucity of the resources of medicinal plants in future and pose a serious threat to the physical well being of mankind. Hence, the study of plants as a source of medicine has become more important in the context of present global trade scenario, where the cost of allopathic medicines are likely to be beyond the reach of common man. So more folklore of our indigenous knowledge of medicine should be explored and availability of such plants should also be surveyed in each and every part of the country. There exists a considerable diversity in the flora of Kaghan Valley. Bryophytes are represented by 6 species, Pteridophytes by 53 species, Gymnosperms by 12 and Angiosperms by 775 species (i.e., Monocots 136 species and Dicots 639 species). It manifests the typical plant diversity of Himalayan region of Kaghan Valley.

This book describes the systematics, ethnobotanical uses and nutritional survey of twenty different species of wild edibles (fruits and vegetables). The information regarding taxonomy, morphology, organoleptography, palynomorphological characterization, anatomy, medicinal and ethnobotanical uses are incorporated in detail. Wild edibles (fruits and vegetables) are the best alternative of cultivated food and source of several essential nutrients. These wild edibles can be used in long terms to overcome the rising food prices, micronutrient deficiency and poverty elevation.

This book described in detail the systematics and medicinal uses of 22 species of Ficus. The information regarding taxonomy, morphology, palynomorphological characterization, anatomy, elemental analysis of thirteen elements through flame atomic absorption spectrophotometer of different parts of species and medicinal uses with special emphasis on Anti-diabetic uses are incorporated in seven chapters.

This monograph includes the tribe Paniceae comprising the genera Brachiaria, Cenchrus, Echinochloa, Eriochloa, Oplismenus, Panicum, Paspalidium, Paspalam, Penniseum and Setaria. For the recognition and circumscription of the tribes, genera and species, very limited characters of the floral parts are used, whose validity and significance is important. The absence of a valid taxonomic treatment of these genera make it necessary to revise the past work and to carry out further research on new aspects. This study was carried out to clear up the taxonomic position of a number of taxa. The present account includes the comprehensive study of the morphological, anatomical and palynological aspects and elemental dispersive spectrophotometer analysis (EDS) of 10 genera of tribe Paniceae present from Pakistan.

In recent years there is a spurt in the interest regarding survival of traditional herbal drug medication. At the same time in the global perspective, the authenticity, purity and standardization are important aspects with respect to herbal drugs. As the name implies authenticity relates to providing the materials is true and corresponds to right identity. This book describes the chemotaxonomic markers including organoleptography (color, taste, odor, appearance, texture, clarity), morpho-palynology {macro and microscopic features based on light microscope (LM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), leaf epidermal anatomy (LM), chromatographic analysis (TLC)} and fluorescence quenching (UV and IR analysis) used as an aid in the identification of genuine source of herbal drugs. Because of gravity of problems like adulteration, nomenclatural confusion, morphological similarities and lack of knowledge about genuine source, these chemotaxonomic techniques are of utmost importance for wider acceptance according to World Health Organization (WHO).