The ever-rising increase in the consumption of medicinal herbs and its products and its exposure in the human population have generated concerns about the potential neurotoxicity of several new and existing botanicals. This book offers an accurate, relevant, and comprehensive coverage of a wide variety of medicinal herbs and fungi affecting the central and peripheral nervous system. It includes review articles that thoroughly describe the benefits and adverse effects of some of the most commonly used medicinal herbs and fungi, and the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying them. The book provides an all-inclusive overview of the diverse aspects of medicinal herbs and fungi related to neurotoxicity and/or neuroprotection, ranging from discussions of cellular and molecular processes and pathology to clinical aspects. The rich compilation brings together thorough and extensive research updates on the advances in the field. The chapters have been contributed by the experienced and eminent academicians, researchers, and scientists working in the field across the globe.

This book highlights the latest international research on different aspects of medicinal plants and fungi. Studies over the last decade have demonstrated that bioactive compounds isolated from medicinal fungi have promising antitumor, cardiovascular, immunomodulatory, anti-allergic, anti-diabetic, and hepatoprotective properties. In the light of these studies, the book includes chapters (mostly review articles) by eminent researchers from twelve countries across the globe working in different disciplines of medicinal plants and fungi. It discusses topics such as the prevention of major neurodegenerative and neurotoxic mechanisms by Centella asiatica; the medicinal properties and therapeutic applications of several mushrooms species found in different parts of the world; and fungal endophytes as a source of bioactive metabolites including anticancer and cardioprotective agents. There are also chapters on strategies for identifying bioactive secondary metabolites of fungal origin; the use of genomic information to explore the biotechnological potential of medicinal mushrooms; and solid state fermentation of agro-industrial and forestry residues for the production of medicinal mushrooms. It is a valuable resource for the researchers, professionals and students working in the area of medicinal plants and fungi.

Although many texts describe plants from China, the focus of this book is to draw on the rich culture and environment of medicinal plants and fungi/mushrooms of Yunnan Province. In fact, Yunnan Province covers two global hotspots of biodiversity, with the richest biological and cultural diversity in China. In particular, the Kunming Institute of Botany (KIB) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (founded in 1938 and located in the capital city of Yunnan Province) has made great contributions in the fields of botany and phytochemistry, earning an international reputation. This book covers those medicinal plants and fungi/mushrooms specific to Yunnan Province, and is written mainly by KIB experts in this research field. Key Features: Distinct sections cover the breadth of the topic including resource availability (wildly grown or cultivated), sustainability, and distribution Discusses plant parts used for medicinal uses (the folklore, the ancient and modern uses) Describes the important natural products and the known pharmacologically active components Presents biological activities related to medicinal uses or clinical evidence Cover image: Shilin, the stone forest (eroded vertical pinnacles of limestone), landmark of Kunming, Yunnan.

Balance the culture of wildcrafting with the demands of sustainable forest management! This comprehensive book addresses the issues that arise when the primeval practice of gathering wild plants, fungi, leaves, and bark occurs in a post-industrial world. Non-Timber Forest Products: Medicinal Herbs, Fungi, Edible Fruits and Nuts, and Other

This modern handbook for exploring and understanding the rich traditions of healing fungi in Eastern and Western cultures is the most complete work on the cultural, health-promoting and medicinal uses of mushrooms ever published!. Author Christopher Hobbs thoroughly documnents and details the nutritional and health benefits of over 100 species of edible fungi.

Proceedings of a national seminar.

Covers culinary, cosmetic, and economic, as well as medicinal properties. Arranged alphabetically by common name, with many illustrations and cross-references. Gives scientific name and family, common name synonyms, habitat, description, chemical constituent, and uses. Sometimes gives an extensive history of the plant and its use. Index of common names.

Medicinal Mushrooms is a modern handbook for exploring and understanding the rich traditions of healing fungi in Eastern and Western cultures. Author Christopher Hobbs thoroughly documents and details the nutritional and health benefits of over 100 species of edible fungi. Medicinal Mushrooms is the most complete work on the cultural, health-promoting, and medicinal uses of mushrooms ever published! Learn How Medicinal Mushrooms Can - Help prevent & treat cancer - Benefit people with HIV/AIDS - Assist people with heart disease - Strengthen immune function - Nourish eyes & digestion - Heal skin ail