Includes bibliographical references.

Title Page; Copyright; Table of Contents; Preface; Introduction; Definitions, the market and the legal position; References; The Evidence Base for Herbal Medicines; References; How to use; Açaí: Euterpe oleracea Mart; Family; Other common names; Botanical drug used; Main chemical compounds; Clinical evidence; Pre-clinical evidence and mechanisms of action; Interactions; Contraindications; Adverse effects; Dosage; General plant information; References; Aloe Vera (Gel): Aloe vera (L.) Burm.f., A. arborescens Mill. and other Aloe spp; Synonym; Family; Other common names; Drug name.

Botanical drug usedMain chemical compounds; Clinical evidence; Pre-clinical evidence and mechanisms of action; Interactions; Contraindications; Adverse effects; Dosage; General plant information; References; Arnica: Arnica montana L; Synonyms; Family; Other common names; Drug name; Botanical drug used; Main chemical compounds; Clinical evidence; Pre-clinical evidence and mechanisms of action; Interactions; Contraindications; Adverse effects; Dosage; General plant information; References; Artichoke: Cynara cardunculus L; Synonym; Family; Other common names; Drug name; Botanical drug used.

Main chemical compoundsClinical evidence; Pre-clinical evidence and mechanisms of action; Interactions; Contraindications; Adverse effects; Dosage; General plant information; References; Ashwagandha: Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal; Synonyms; Family; Other common names; Drug name; Botanical drug used; Main chemical compounds; Clinical evidence; Pre-clinical evidence and mechanisms of action; Interactions; Contraindications; Adverse effects; Dosage; General plant information; References; Asparagus: Asparagus officinalis L; Synonyms; Family; Other common names; Drug name; Botanical drug used.

Main chemical compoundsClinical evidence; Pre-clinical evidence and mechanisms of action; Interactions; Contraindications; Adverse effects; Dosage; General plant information; References; Astragalus: Astragalus mongholicus Bunge; Synonyms; Family; Other common names; Drug name; Botanical drug used; Main chemical compounds; Clinical Evidence; Pre-clinical evidence and mechanisms of action; Interactions; Contraindications; Adverse effects; Dosage; General plant information; References; Baobab: Adansonia digitata L; Synonyms; Family; Other common names; Botanical drug used.

Main chemical compoundsClinical evidence; Pre-clinical evidence and mechanisms of action; Interactions; Contraindications; Adverse effects; Dosage; General plant information; References; Bearberry: Arctostaphylos uva-ursi (L.) Spreng; Synonyms; Family; Other common name; Drug name; Botanical drug used; Main chemical compounds; Clinical evidence; Pre-clinical evidence and mechanisms of action; Interactions; Contraindications; Adverse effects; Dosage; General plant information; References; Bilberry; Blueberry: Vaccinium myrtillus L.; V. angustifolium Aiton, V. corymbosum L; Family.

Healthcare professionals, including doctors, pharmacists and nurses, are often confronted with patients who use over-the-counter (OTC) herbal medicinal products and food supplements. While taking responsibility for one's own health and treatment options is encouraged, many patients use these products based on limited (and sometimes inaccurate) information from non-scientific sources, such as the popular press and internet. There is a clear need to offer balanced, well-informed advice to patients, yet a number of studies have shown that, generally, conventionally trained health practitioners consider their knowledge about herbal medicinal products and supplements to be weak. Phytopharmacy fills this knowledge gap, and is intended for use by the busy pharmacist, nurse, or doctor, as well as the 'expert patient' and students of pharmacy and herbal medicine. It presents clear, practical and concise monographs on over a hundred popular herbal medicines and plant-based food supplements. Information provided in each monograph includes: Indications Summary and appraisal of clinical and pre-clinical evidence Potential interactions Contraindications Possible adverse effectsAn overview of the current regulatory framework is also outlined, notably the EU Traditional Herbal Medicinal Products Directive. This stipulates that only licensed products or registered traditional herbal medicinal products (THRs), which have assured quality and safety, can now legally be sold OTC. Monographs are included of most of the major herbal ingredients found in THRs, and also some plant-basedfood supplements, which while not strictly medicines, may also have the potential to exert a physiological effect.

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