An Introduction to Botanical Medicines: History, Science, Uses, and Dangers

Antoine Al-Achi

Aug. 2008 · Bloomsbury Publishing USA

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For those who want to make educated decisions about whether, and when, to use natural products, this text explains the most current scientific evidence of the roles that plants can play in our health: how they can prevent, modify, or treat disease. Since antiquity, humans have used botanicals to treat various conditions affecting their organ systems, and this book is built around explaining which plants may be used for major ailments affecting the various systems. The increasing availability of botanicals on the market, intended to be used as dietary supplements for health, has been fueled by the public's demand for a more natural approach to healthcare. Unfortunately, much of the information fed to the public on alternatives is based on anecdotal evidence (case stories), the advice of friends, or media features that often do not stand up to standards for scientific evidence. In this book Al-Achi explains current research and science that exists - or remains lacking - for the various botanicals as healthcare products. He also details the potential misuse and the dangers of some herbal formulas. Photographs of 62 medicinal plants are included.

For those who want to make educated decisions whether, and when, to use natural products, this text explains the most current scientific evidence of the roles that plants can play in our health: how they can prevent, modify, or treat disease. Since antiquity, humans have used botanicals to treat various conditions affecting their organ systems, and this book is built around explaining which plants may be used for major ailments affecting the various systems. The increasing availability of botanicals on the market, intended to be used as dietary supplements for health, has been fueled by the public's demand for a more natural approach to healthcare. Unfortunately, much of the information fed to the public on alternatives is based on anecdotal evidence (case studies), the advice of friends, or media features that often do not stand up to standards for scientific evidence. In this book, Al-Achi explains current research and science that exists - or remains lacking - for the various botanicals as healthcare products. He also details the potential misuse and the dangers of some herbal formulas. Photographs of 62 medicinal plants are included.

Because of its evidentiary approach, this book may serve also as a text for introductory college courses in the field of botanical medicine, or as a supplemental general text for an alternative and complementary medicine course. The history leading to the use of botanicals in healthcare is described, as are botanicals used in the treatment of cancer, cardiovascular disease, endocrine system disorders such as diabetes, gastrointestinal problems, men's and women's specific disorders, infections, chronic pain, psychological disorders such as anxiety and depression, and other health issues.

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ANTOINE AL-ACHI is Associate Professor of Pharmaceutics in the School of Pharmacy at Campbell University in North Carolina. He has taught Botanical Medicine to Doctor of Pharmacy students at the university since 2003. He holds a Doctorate in Biomedical Science/Pharmaceutics/Pharmacokinetics from Northeastern University, a Master's in Radiopharmaceutical Sciences from Northeastern, and a Master's in Pharmacy from the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Allied Health Sciences. Al-Achi served as Postdoctoral Fellow/Research Fellow in Pathology at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School.