Approaching the contributions of a world-wide sector of scientific institutions to addressing the extinction crisis, Botanical Gardens and their Role in Plant Conservation brings together a diversity of perspectives. There are over 3,600 botanical gardens world-wide, where trees, shrubs, herbs, and other plants are studied and managed in collections. They are foremost among efforts to conserve the diversity of living plant species and ensure that crucial biodiversity is available for the future of humanity. This book is a showcase for plant conservation, restoration, biodiversity, and related scientific and educational work of botanical gardens around the world, featuring both thematic overview chapters and numerous case studies that illustrate the critical role these institutions play in fighting extinction and ensuring plant diversity is available for sustainable use. Features A wide range of case studies derived from practical experience in a diversity of institutional, national, and biogeographical settings, Reviews of topics such as networking amongst institutions, the importance of global policy agreements such as the Convention on Biological Diversity and the Global Strategy for Plant Conservation, Profiles of botanical gardens contributions at the national level to conservation priorities, Real-world examples of programs in plant conservation for both critically endangered wild plant diversity and unique horticultural or cultural germplasm. Botanical Gardens and their Role in Plant Conservation includes contributions from institutions from Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, and the Americas, and institutions of all sizes and histories, from long-established national gardens to new gardens offering their perspectives on developing their roles in this vital undertaking.

Features A wide range of case studies derived from practical experience in a diversity of institutional, national, and biogeographical settings, Reviews of topics such as networking amongst institutions, the importance of global policy agreements such as the Convention on Biological Diversity and the Global Strategy for Plant Conservation, Profiles of botanical gardens contributions at the national level to conservation priorities, Real-world examples of programs in plant conservation for both critically endangered wild plant diversity and unique horticultural or cultural germplasm.

A wide range of case studies derived from practical experience in a diversity of institutional, national, and biogeographical settings, Reviews of topics such as networking amongst institutions, the importance of global policy agreements such as the Convention on Biological Diversity and the Global Strategy for Plant Conservation, Profiles of botanical gardens contributions at the national level to conservation priorities, Real-world examples of programs in plant conservation for both critically endangered wild plant diversity and unique horticultural or cultural germplasm.

A wide range of case studies derived from practical experience in a diversity of institutional, national, and biogeographical settings, Reviews of topics such as networking amongst institutions, the importance of global policy agreements such as the Convention on Biological Diversity and the Global Strategy for Plant Conservation, Profiles of botanical gardens contributions at the national level to conservation priorities, Real-world examples of programs in plant conservation for both critically endangered wild plant diversity and unique horticultural or cultural germplasm.

Camptothecin and Camptothecin Producing Plants: Botany, Chemistry, Anticancer Activity and Biotechnology provides updated information on camptothecin yielding plants, chemical diversity of camptothecin, extraction and exploitation methods, biosynthesis, biotechnological production and enhancement for drug delivery, and the pharmacological properties of the drugs. The book focuses on camptothecin anticancer properties based on recent developments of biotechnology. Topics emphasize anticancer activities, biosynthesis, potent derivatives currently undergoing experimental phases, and biotechnological methods to enhance the production. This book is a valuable source for cancer researchers, oncologists, biotechnologists, pharmacologists and members of the biomedical field who are interested in camptothecin and its applicability in cancer treatment.

This new book, Bioactives and Pharmacology of Lamiaceae, provides a wealth of information on plants in the Lamiaceae family, noted for their essential oils, bioactives, and pharmacological properties. The chapters investigate a wide variety of species, providing for each an introduction, characteristics, properties, distribution, traditional uses, and current and potential pharmacological applications. Aiming to be a resource for the development of new drugs based on species within the Lamiaceae family, the volume includes 26 species discussed, including bungleweed (Ajuga), Malabar catmint (Anisomeles malabarica), beechwood (Gmelina arborea), Brazilian mint (Hyptis crenata), rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.), holy basil (Ocimum tenuiflorum), and many more. Edited by the noted botanist T. Pullaiah, PhD, this new volume under his AAP Focus on Medicinal Plants book series, will be a valuable reference for those in drug discovery, botany, and fragrance chemists.

In this comprehensive desk reference, a variety of bioactives and therapeutics from the legume family (Fabaceae or Leguminosae) are thoroughly detailed. For each species included in the volume, a brief introduction is given, the plant’s bioactive compounds are listed, and its chemical structures shown, followed by their pharmacological activities. Many of these plants have medicinal activities that include antiviral, antimicrobial, antioxidant, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and antidiabetic, hepatoprotective, nephroprotective and cardioprotective. The biochemical characteristics of the 37 plants included, such as the type of starch, protein, and fibers, can be exploited as binders, excipients, thickeners, and dispersants in the formulation of various products in the pharmaceutical industry. The published literature on the pharmacological activities on each species is reviewed and presented in a concise and clear manner. This will be an important source book for pharmaceutical researchers, scientists, and others in development of new drugs.

Frankincense, also called olibanum, is an aromatic resin used since ancient times for incense, perfume and aromatherapy. It is readily available as an essential oil or as a supplement or extract, and studies have shown that it may enhance heart health and liver health and soothe pain and inflammation. This new volume is a comprehensive desktop reference book specifically gum olibanum - frankincense. It introduces the significance of the species and covers the botany, phytochemistry, propagation, extraction, and pharmacological uses. It also discusses the species’ genetic diversity using molecular markers, in vitro propagation and biotechnological aspects of Boswellia species, the trade and commerce of frankincense, and as well as its threats and conservation.

This monograph compiles updated information about forskolin, a labdane diterpene that is produced by the Coleus plant. Forskolin has a large number of practical uses and the book delves into the various aspects of this chemical. It includes topics such as the botanical source of forskolin and the cultivation of Coleus forskohlii, source. It also covers the biosynthetic pathways in natural sources and also through different biotechnological applications. Chapters include the potential and products in the Forskolin market. The book also covers the methods for enhanced production of forskolin from natural sources and through tissue culture methods for improvement of the plant for higher content of forskolin. It discusses the role of endophytes in the production of forskolin. The book is useful for students and researchers in the field of botany, pharmacology and biochemistry. It also serves scientists in various pharmaceutical industries.

This important volume provides a comprehensive overview of hepatotoxicity and medicinal plants used for protecting the liver and for curing liver toxicity and liver diseases. To date, there has been no extensive resource on the plants that are used in this capacity, both in traditional medicine and in modern medicine. This book fills that gap. It presents information on the medicinal plants used in traditional medicine (both codified and noncodified) and in ethnomedicine, including the plant parts used and methods of use and dosages. The phytochemicals extracted from medicinal plants,screened and used in modern medicine for liver protection and curing liver problems, are given in detail, and the methods of screening are given as well. Methods of assay for screening the medicinal plants are also presented. Key features: * Provides complete information on plants that show hepatoprotective properties * Lists and discusses the phytochemicals useful for liver protection and cures * Considers traditional uses and ethnomedicinal plants for liver protection * Details the plant parts and the extracts that have protection properties and the active principles showing hepatoprotection

Ethnobotany of India: Volume 1: Eastern Ghats and Adjacent Deccan, the first of a five-volume set, provides an informative overview of human-plant interrelationships in this southern area of India. The volume looks at the ethnic diversity, ethnobotany, ethnomedicine, ethnoveterinary medicine, and ethnic food of the region. With chapters written by experts in the field, the book provides comprehensive information on the tribals (the indigenous populations of the region) and knowledge on plants that grow around them.

This is the second of a five-volume set. This series of volumes on the ethnobotany of different regions of India melds important knowledge in one place. India is one of the most important regions of the old world and has culturally rich and diverse knowledge systems. The expert authors have been selected to summarize information on the various aspects of ethnobotany of India, such as ethnoecology, traditional agriculture, cognitive ethnobotany, material sources, traditional pharmacognosy, ethnoconservation strategies, bioprospection of ethnodirected knowledge, and protection of ethnobotanical knowledge.

Ethnobotany of India: Volume 3: North-East India and Andaman and Nicobar Islands is the third of a five-volume set of Ethnobotany of India. Bringing together in one place the important information on the ethnobotany of the North-East India and Andaman and Nicobar Island region of India, this informative volume presents the details of the tribes of the region, their numbers, their habitat, their culture, and particularly their usage of plants for various purposes.