This book examines the clinical information available on more than 60 Ayurvedic herbs to determine how their use in traditional Indian medicine is supported by modern scientific study. Plants are grouped according to body systems and each entry includes a description, information on the source plant, distribution and traditional use, active chemical constituents, relevant pharmacology, and details of clinical studies and safety findings. This unique book also includes a brief history of Ayurveda, examines the history of drug development and evaluation in ancient India, and identifies current trends resulting from scientific investigation.

Zusammenfassung
Focuses on some of the most important Ayurvedic herbs. This book examines clinical information on more than 60 Ayurvedic herbs to determine how their use in traditional Indian medicine is supported by modern scientific study. It includes a brief history of Ayurveda, also examining the history of drug development and evaluation in ancient India.

Inhalt

Foreword (H. Wagner)
Preface
Acknowledgments
Chapter 1. Drug Development and Evaluation in Ancient India
Origins of Ayurveda
History of Drug Evaluation
Plant Use in Ayurveda
Chapter 2. Scientific Investigation of Indian Medicinal Plants
History of Research
Results of Scientific Investigation
Chapter 3. Gastrointestinal Agents
Malabsorption Syndrome
Dyspepsia
Antiulcer Plants
Other Antiulcer Plants
Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Antiemetic Agents
Laxatives
Other Laxative Plants
Diarrhea
Chapter 4. Hepatoprotective Agents
Plant Use in Ayurveda
Scientific Studies
Viral Hepatitis
Other Antiviral Plants
Ascites
Chronic Cholecystitis
Chapter 5. Respiratory Tract Drugs
Plants for Bronchial Asthma
Upper-Respiratory Tract Infections
Other Plants
Tropical Pulmonary Eosinophilia
Chapter 6. Cardiovascular Drugs
Cardioprotective Plants
Hypolipidemic Plants
Other Hypolipidemic Plants
Antihypertensive Plants
Venous Disorders
Chapter 7. Urinary Tract Drugs
Diuretics
Plants for Urinary Tract Disorders
Chapter 8. Antirheumatic Agents
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Chapter 9. Skin and Trauma Care Agents
Skin Diseases
Leukoderma/Follicular Eczema
Psoriasis
Wound Healing Plants
Other Wound Healing Plants
Fracture Healing Plants
Chapter 10. Gynecological Agents
Galactagogue
Antileukorrheal Plants
Antimenorrhagial Plants
Chapter 11. Antidiabetic Agents
Main Plants
Other Plants
Diabetic Complications
Chapter 12. Central Nervous System Agents
Memory and Learning Enhancers
Parkinson's Disease
Sedative Plants
Chapter 13. Rasayana Drugs: Antiaging Agents, Adaptogens, and Immunostimulants
Tonic/Antiaging Effects
Other Tonic/Antiaging Plants
Immunostimulant Effects Against Infection
Other Immunostimulant Plants
Cancer Therapy
Other Plants Used in Cancer Therapy
Chapter 14: Dental and Ophthalmological Agents
Dental Health
Other Dental Conditions
Ophthalmological Agents
Appendix: List of Single Plants, Indications, and Chapters
Index
Reference Notes Included