Pharmacognosy (the science of biogenic or nature-derived pharmaceuticals and poisons) has been an established basic pharmaceutical science taught in institutions of pharmacy education for over two centuries. Over the past 20 years though it has become increasingly important given the explosion of new drugs, phytomedicines (plant medicines), nutraceuticals and dietary supplements - all of which need to be fully understood, tested and regulated.

From a review of the previous edition:

'Drawing on their wealth of experience and knowledge in this field, the authors, who are without doubt among the finest minds in pharmacognosy today, provide useful and fascinating insights into the history, botany, chemistry, phytotherapy and importance of medicinal plants in some of today's healthcare systems. This is a landmark textbook, which carefully brings together relevant data from numerous sources and provides, in an authoritative and exhaustive manner, cutting-edge information that is relevant to pharmacists, pharmacognocists, complementary practitioners, doctors and nurses alike.' The Pharmaceutical Journal

'This is an excellent text book which provides fascinating insights into the world of pharmacognosy and the authors masterfully integrated elements of orthodox pharmacognosy and phytotherapy. Both the science student and the non-scientific person interested in phytotherapy will greatly benefit from reading this publication. It is comprehensive, easy to follow and after having read this book, one is so much more aware of the uniqueness of phytomedicines. A must read for any healthcare practitioner.'


Key Features
Covers the history, biology and chemistry of plant-based medicines

Covers pharmaceutical and neutraceuticals derived from plants

Covers the role of medicinal plants in worldwide healthcare systems

Examines the therapeutics and evidence of plant-based medicines by body system


New to this Edition
Sections on regulatory information expanded

New evidence updates throughout

New material covering non-medical supplements

Therapeutics updated throughout

Now on StudentConsult


Author Information
By Michael Heinrich, Dr rer nat habil MA(WSU) Dipl. Biol. FLS, Professor and Head of Centre for Pharmacognosy, School of Pharmacy, University of London, UK ; Joanne Barnes, BPharm PhD MRPharmS FLS, Associate Professor in Herbal Medicines, School of Pharmacy, University of Auckland, New Zealand ; Jose Prieto-Garcia, Lecturer in Pharmacognosy, UCL School of Pharmacy, London, UK; Simon Gibbons, BSc MRSC CChem PhD FLS, Lecturer in Pharmacognosy, Centre for Pharmacognosy and Phytotherapy, School of Pharmacy, University of London, UK and Elizabeth M. Williamson, BSc(Pharm) PhD MRPharmS FLS, Professor of Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, University of Reading, UK; Editor-in-chief of Phytotherapy Research; Member of the Herbal Drugs Committees for The British Pharmacopoeia and The European Pharmacopoeia Professor of Pharmacy and Director of Pharmacy Practice

Product Reviews
'Very informational. Tough reading but lots of good information.'

'This is an excellent text book which provides fascinating insights into the world of pharmacognosy and the authors masterfully integrated elements of orthodox pharmacognosy and phytotherapy. Both the science student and the non-scientific person interested in phytotherapy will greatly benefit from reading this publication. It is comprehensive, easy to follow and after having read this book, one is so much more aware of the uniqueness of phytomedicines. A must read for any healthcare practitioner.'

'Our lead pharmacognosy faculty report that this 2nd edition is a welcome expansion of an already excellent reference book. Word.'

'This book is fantastic - in creating a curriculum in Pharmacognosy this book will play a vital part to educate the students!'