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Chapter 1 Habitat and distribution of medicinal plants

  • Nabanita Hazarika , Hiranjyoti Deka , Amenuo Susan Kulnu , Puranjay Mipun , Petekhrienuo Rio , Mayur Mausoom Phukan and Debajit Kalita
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Phytochemicals in Medicinal Plants
This chapter is in the book Phytochemicals in Medicinal Plants

Abstract

Medicinal plants are valuable sources of herbal medicine recognized globally. Medicinal plants are a source of new drug molecules and widely distributed throughout the world ranging from forest, desert, polar region, ocean, and fresh water ecosystems. Around 1,000 BC, the knowledge of habitat of medicinal plants and its application in various ailments of disease have been reported by the Indian saint Charak in Charak Samhita and Shusruta in Shusruta Samhita. Around 197 different plant species have been mentioned in Ayurveda along with its distribution and use. A total of 34 global “Biodiversity Hotspots” have been recognized on the basis of specific criteria which also includes medicinal plants. The article focuses on the habitat and distribution of medicinal plants with specific emphasis on Biodiversity Hotspots. Remote sensing and geographical information system-based approaches for distribution studies and additionally socioeconomic importance of traditional practices pertaining to medicinal plants are further discussed.

Abstract

Medicinal plants are valuable sources of herbal medicine recognized globally. Medicinal plants are a source of new drug molecules and widely distributed throughout the world ranging from forest, desert, polar region, ocean, and fresh water ecosystems. Around 1,000 BC, the knowledge of habitat of medicinal plants and its application in various ailments of disease have been reported by the Indian saint Charak in Charak Samhita and Shusruta in Shusruta Samhita. Around 197 different plant species have been mentioned in Ayurveda along with its distribution and use. A total of 34 global “Biodiversity Hotspots” have been recognized on the basis of specific criteria which also includes medicinal plants. The article focuses on the habitat and distribution of medicinal plants with specific emphasis on Biodiversity Hotspots. Remote sensing and geographical information system-based approaches for distribution studies and additionally socioeconomic importance of traditional practices pertaining to medicinal plants are further discussed.

Chapters in this book

  1. Frontmatter I
  2. Preface V
  3. Contents VII
  4. About the editors XI
  5. List of contributors XIII
  6. Chapter 1 Habitat and distribution of medicinal plants 1
  7. Chapter 2 Threats and conservation of the medicinal plants 27
  8. Chapter 3 Culture, tradition, and indigenous practices on medicinal plants 53
  9. Chapter 4 Plants alkaloids and flavonoids: biosynthesis, classification, and medicinal uses 87
  10. Chapter 5 Terpenoids, steroids, and phenolic compounds of medicinal plants 105
  11. Chapter 6 Characterization techniques used for the analysis of phytochemical constituents 131
  12. Chapter 7 Medicinal bioactivity: anti-cancerous and anti-HIV activity of medicinal plants 153
  13. Chapter 8 Anti-cancerous and anti-HIV activity of medicinal plants 185
  14. Chapter 9 Antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and wound-healing activities of medicinal plants 205
  15. Chapter 10 Antioxidant activity of medicinal plants 227
  16. Chapter 11 Antidiabetic activity of selected Indian medicinal plants 247
  17. Chapter 12 Anti-coronavirus and antiviral activity of medicinal plants 269
  18. Chapter 13 Nanomaterials synthesis from medicinal plant extract 291
  19. Chapter 14 Bioactivity of nanoparticles synthesized from medicinal plants 315
  20. Chapter 15 Phytochemicals in drug discovery 331
  21. Chapter 16 Extraction and production of drugs from plant 347
  22. Index 369
https://doi.org/10.1515/9783110791891-001

Chapters in this book

  1. Frontmatter I
  2. Preface V
  3. Contents VII
  4. About the editors XI
  5. List of contributors XIII
  6. Chapter 1 Habitat and distribution of medicinal plants 1
  7. Chapter 2 Threats and conservation of the medicinal plants 27
  8. Chapter 3 Culture, tradition, and indigenous practices on medicinal plants 53
  9. Chapter 4 Plants alkaloids and flavonoids: biosynthesis, classification, and medicinal uses 87
  10. Chapter 5 Terpenoids, steroids, and phenolic compounds of medicinal plants 105
  11. Chapter 6 Characterization techniques used for the analysis of phytochemical constituents 131
  12. Chapter 7 Medicinal bioactivity: anti-cancerous and anti-HIV activity of medicinal plants 153
  13. Chapter 8 Anti-cancerous and anti-HIV activity of medicinal plants 185
  14. Chapter 9 Antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and wound-healing activities of medicinal plants 205
  15. Chapter 10 Antioxidant activity of medicinal plants 227
  16. Chapter 11 Antidiabetic activity of selected Indian medicinal plants 247
  17. Chapter 12 Anti-coronavirus and antiviral activity of medicinal plants 269
  18. Chapter 13 Nanomaterials synthesis from medicinal plant extract 291
  19. Chapter 14 Bioactivity of nanoparticles synthesized from medicinal plants 315
  20. Chapter 15 Phytochemicals in drug discovery 331
  21. Chapter 16 Extraction and production of drugs from plant 347
  22. Index 369
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