This book explores the profound impact of medicinal and aromatic plants, tracing their journey from ancient traditions to modern applications. With India boasting the richest diversity of these plants, the text delves into their historical significance and contemporary relevance in drug discovery, culinary arts, and income generation. As the world grapples with severe diseases, these plants have gained renewed attention for their therapeutic potential.

The chapters cover a wide range of topics, including the introduction of newly discovered medicinal plants, their distribution, and phytochemistry. The book emphasizes eco-friendly conservation methods for rare and endangered species, and innovative techniques such as microbes-enabled seed coating for improved germination. Readers will discover the diverse applications of phytochemicals in treating non-communicable and infectious diseases, as well as their potential in dermatological and emerging disease treatments. The text also explores the role of green technology in enhancing the production of bioactive compounds through the synthesis of nanoparticles.

This volume is an invaluable resource for researchers in environmental studies, microbiology, and related fields. It offers insights for policymakers in environmental and waste management, and for professionals in the food industry, agriculture, and vaccine development. It addresses the intersection of traditional knowledge and modern science, making it a must-read for scholars, practitioners, and interested laypersons alike. By providing a comprehensive overview of the sustainable use of medicinal plants, this book equips readers with the knowledge needed to advance research and practice in this vital area of study.

Autorentext

Dr. Sharad Kumar Tripathi is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Life Sciences at the Arni School of Basic Sciences & Biotechnology, Arni University, Kangra, Himachal Pradesh, India. He earned his Ph.D. from the Central University of Allahabad (Prayagraj) and completed postdoctoral research at the ICAR-Directorate of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants Research, Anand, Gujarat, focusing on the quantification, isolation, and molecular identification of phytochemicals from Garcinia species of North-East India. His research interests include phytochemical characterization and bioprospection of medicinal and aromatic plants. He teaches plant sciences, ethnobotany, and ethnopharmacology at undergraduate and postgraduate levels, and has supervised over 20 postgraduate projects and one Ph.D. scholar. He received the Young Scientist Award in 2019 from the Botanical Society of India and GESA India.

Dr. Sankhadip Bose is Professor and Head of the School of Pharmacy at The Neotia University, West Bengal, India. He has over 19 years of academic experience, including long-term service at Maulana Abul Kalam Azad University of Technology, where he guided more than 20 M.Pharm research projects. He has successfully completed a Central Government-funded research project supported by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India. One Ph.D. has been awarded under his supervision, and seven doctoral projects are currently ongoing across The Neotia University and Maulana Abul Kalam Azad University of Technology. He is a life member of SPER and serves as a CEC member of the Association of Pharmaceutical Teachers of India (APTI).

Dr. Abhishek Kumar Bhardwaj is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Environmental Science, Amity School of Life Sciences, Amity University, Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, India. He earned his Ph.D. from the Central University of Allahabad (Prayagraj) on drinking water disinfection using green-synthesized metal nanoparticles and completed postdoctoral research in the Department of Environmental Science at VBS Purvanchal University, Jaunpur. He teaches postgraduate students of Environmental Science and contributes to university administration through various academic and organizing committees. His research interests include green synthesis of nanomaterials for water purification, biosensing, nanodevice fabrication, advanced water treatment, diatom and mushroom cultivation, phytoremediation, and sustainable waste management. He is a life member of several national and international scientific societies.

Dr. Pharkphoom Panichayupakaranant is a Professor in the Department of Pharmacognosy and Pharmaceutical Botany, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Prince of Songkla University, Thailand. His research focuses on the development of herbal products using green extraction technologies, standardization strategies, active-constituent-enriched extracts, and medicinal plant tissue culture systems. In 2021, he received the Dushdi Mala Medal of Arts and Sciences (Pin of Scientific Arts), conferred by His Majesty the King of Thailand, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to scientific research and national innovation. He holds 17 patents and 21 petty patents related to herbal product development. His work has earned multiple international invention awards, including gold medals and special recognitions from major exhibitions in Germany, Korea, Switzerland, Taiwan, Poland, Malaysia, and Belgium.