Foreword

Plants have been used as the prime source of medicines by humans ever since from the ancient times. Even today, plant products are widely used worldwide to address several health problems. In recent times, human population is seen increasingly affected by several life threatening diseases. Although synthetic medicines are utilized to treat these diseases, they are often inefficient, unsafe, and costly to produce. In contrast, plant-based products and medicines are cost-effective, proven to be highly effective in treating diseases, and safe as alternative medicines. Isolated plant bioactive compounds, including alkaloids, glycosides, tannins, terpenoids, polyphenols, saponins, and resins, are known to promote patient health. Consequently, they are extensively used in managing various human ailments such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes mellitus, cancer, neurological disorders, and infectious diseases.

Based on their traditional uses and experimental evidences, plant products or compounds are isolated or extracted from the medicinal and aromatic plants. Recent surveys indicate a surge in research on the use of plant metabolites as potential leads for drug discovery. Plant compounds exhibit supreme chemodiversity. The initial steps in discovering plant-derived drugs involve identifying novel chemical entities from specific medicinal plants. Selecting the right candidate medicinal plants is imperative, primarily based on tribal non-documented uses, traditionally documented practices, and a comprehensive literature survey. Biological activity-guided fractionation of acknowledged plants aids in standardizing bioactive metabolites as novel drugs. Therefore, bioprospecting of plants and using innovative analytical methods and instruments for extracting, isolating, and characterizing bioactive metabolites from plants are crucial to expedite the drug discovery process. Proper knowledge and a better understanding of plant biology, agronomy, and chemistry allow the restoration of biodiversity and conservation of endangered species. Understanding sustainable cultivation under different climatic conditions, phytochemical variations, and effective isolation and purification methods for phytocompounds can lead to better utilization of these valuable crops. The chemical profiles of bioactive compounds and their levels in plant extracts could be enhanced through breeding. The use of omics approaches, CRISPR/Cas9, gene editing, etc., has the potential to boost the production of phytochemicals. Furthermore, understanding the chemical nature of phytocompounds and their therapeutic actions at the molecular level simplifies the discovery of new drug leads against various health issues.

The present book entitled “Metabolites of Medicinal Plants: Insightful Approaches”, includes 15 chapters contributed by the renowned academicians and researchers from different parts of the world. The first chapter, authored by Indian and Pakistani authors, discusses the economic burden of cancer, the demand and supply of medicinal and anticancer plants, herbal medicines as complementary cancer therapy, and recent progress in anticancer plant research. Chapters 2, 3, and 4, contributed by Indian researchers, delve into the phytochemistry and pharmacological properties of different parts of Withania coagulans, Tinospora cordifolia, and Butea monosperma, respectively. The fifth chapter, contributed by Indian authors, summarizes recent advancements in the phytochemical screening, therapeutic significance, and nutritional values of Ocimum sanctum. Chapters 6 and 7, written by Indian authors, provide a thorough literature review on the morphology, distribution, traditional usage, biotechnology, phytochemistry, pharmacological effects, and safety evaluations of Psoralea corylifolia and Swertia chirayita, respectively. Chapter 8, written collaboratively by research fellows from India and Saudi Arabia, discusses the beneficial role of Emblica officinalis plant fruits and their phytoconstituents in combating metabolic syndrome, along with detailed risk factor analysis. Notably, mechanistic approaches are well explained. Chapter 9, contributed by Indian authors, offers in-depth information on the chemical compositions and preclinical assessments of Trigonella, Syzium, Punica, Momordica, and Gymnema species, mainly in combating diabetes. Chapters 10 and 11, cooperatively contributed by authors from Oman and India, focus on the chemistry and pharmacological activities of lesser-known fruiting plants in India and the role of certain dietary agents in preventing pathogenesis by Helicobacter pylori, respectively. Chapter 12, contributed by Indian authors, discusses nanotechnology-based drug delivery systems for herbal medicines and their prospects. Chapters 13 and 14, written by Indian authors, comprehensively explain the mechanistic role of CRISPR/Cas9, its application in base editing, and its ability to enhance the production of phytochemicals (Chapter 13), and explore mQTL mapping in medicinal and crop plants, emphasizing its significance in unraveling the intricate interplay between genetics and metabolic pathways (Chapter 14). The last chapter, by Indian researchers, elucidates the biosynthetic pathways of major plant metabolites, with special attention to the key enzymes involved.

Understanding and exploring various medicinally valued plants and their bioactive principles is essential to encourage drug discovery studies and support the modern medical field by innovating novel drugs with superior pharmacological activities. This edited book volume covers a wide range of medicinal plant topics, including ethnobotany, phytopharmacology, and modern biotechnological applications. It presents numerous research topics and encourages further exploration of medicinal plants and their products for future medicine preparation. This book will provide valuable information for students, teachers, and professionals involved in research related to medicinal plant phytochemistry, pharmacology, drug discovery, and healthcare practices. I applaud the diligent efforts of the dedicated editors who have played an instrumental role in bringing this remarkable book volume to completion.