Preface

VOLUME-4 of the book series “The Chemistry Inside Spices and Herbs: Research and Development” is a nice collection of a total of eight chapters written by experts from India, Brazil, and Nigeria. Volume-4 has chapters full of scientific knowledge on the pharmacology of different herbs and spices, and different pharmaceutical roles of herbs and spices along with their chemistry have been excellently expounded by the experts. This volume of the book includes several pharmaceutically relevant topics such as the pharmacological potential of Sphaeranthus indicus Linn, Indian spices in the management of emerging viral infections, Coriander and its properties, Copaifera spp. Oils’ pharmacological study, Nardostachys jatamansi and its pharmacognostic profile, edible bush onion (Afrostyrax lepidophyllus) as a source of essential food and medicinal constituents, chemistry, biochemistry and medicinal applications of different herbal essential oils and insights into the pharmacologically valuable plant proteases.

Chapter 1, written by Singh, illustrates the necessity for novel antivirals, which is further supported by the recent pandemic scenario. The effect of various Indian spices on the immune system, as well as how well they might be capable of fighting viral infections, is covered in detail in the second section.

Chapter 2, written by Zambelli, describes the chemical, functional and nutritional properties of Coriander.

In Chapter 3, Tiwari et al., have compiled the traditional uses, chemical components and pharmacological properties of Sphaeranthus indicus Linn to provide a ready reference for scientists working on this plant species.

Chapter 4, written by Kumar et al., comprehensively describes the phytochemistry of Copaiba oleoresins, conventional uses, and pharmacological properties of various oils from Copaifera species.

Chapter 5, written by Gupta et al., comprehensively describes the pharmacognostic profile of Nardostachys jatamansi, a potent medicinal herb. In this chapter, they have described the various aspects of this medicinal plant in detail.

Chapter 6, written by OYETAYO et al., describes a medicinal herb, Bush Onion (Afrostyrax lepidophyllus), along with its nutritional and medicinal values.

In Chapter 7, Agrawal et al., describe the various plant’s essential oils, the chemistry of EO, extraction methods, essential oils in aromatherapy, as well as medicinal functional properties of different EOs like Lavender Oil, Clove oil, Eucalyptus oil, Peppermint oil, Lemongrass oil, and Cinnamon oil.

In Chapter 8, Roy et al., have comprehensively discussed the various plant proteases, highlighting their pharmaceutical, industrial and biotechnological aspects as well as the structure, properties and catalytic mechanisms.