Introduction

Textbook of Herbal Medicine and Pharmacy is a comprehensive two-part resource that connects traditional knowledge of medicinal plants with modern scientific principles and pharmaceutical applications. Designed primarily for students, the textbook provides a structured understanding of herbal medicine fundamentals and contemporary technologies used in therapeutic development.

The book enables readers to:

• - Understand the fundamental principles and scope of herbal medicine and pharmacy.
• - Connect traditional medicinal knowledge with modern scientific approaches.
• - Learn about the cultivation, processing and value addition of medicinal plants.
• - Learn about the methods of identifying, evaluating and screening bioactive compounds.
• - Explore herbal drug formulation, dosage forms and pharmaceutical applications.
• - Discover emerging approaches, including network pharmacology, artificial intelligence and computational drug discovery.

Part 1 introduces the foundations of herbal technology and the historical development of traditional and alternative medicine systems. Chapters explain the cultivation, harvesting, processing and storage of medicinal plants and herbal products, with attention to maintaining their quality and value. The volume also discusses value-added plant products and the principles of pharmacognosy, providing readers with a foundation for understanding the natural sources, characteristics and practical development of herbal medicines.

Target Readership :

Students in pharmacy, pharmacology, medicinal chemistry, and herbal medicine courses. Trainers and educators in herbal medicine programs.