Preface

Many believe that herbal medicine provides an alternative treatment for various diseases, especially lifestyle diseases, which require lifelong drug treatment and pose safety concerns. Traditional medicine practitioners also believe that the phytocomponents contained in herbal medicine have better compatibility with the human system. Phytochemicals in herbs are being actively investigated for their direct use as therapeutic agents and prototype lead compounds for developing new synthetic or semi-synthetic drugs.

Herbal medicines have become an important source and primary target for future drug development and human healthcare. This book provides a detailed view and perspective of the research topic of herbal medicine used to treat various diseases such as metabolic disorders, cardiovascular diseases, cancer, microbial infections, etc. This book also highlights research on herbs' therapeutic effects and underlying mechanisms. This book provides valuable information from various sources and presents it to readers in figures and convenient tables. This book also offers information about various herbs and herbal mixtures (products) in preliminary and clinical studies. This book increases the awareness among the public about the undesirable side effects of allopathy drugs and is a step towards better understanding and utilizing natural plant products for human welfare.

Chapter 1 provides the fundamental information about the herbal medicine and current research in this field. This chapter explains how herbal medicine's future ultimately lies in the harmonic fusion of traditional knowledge with cutting-edge scientific research, providing potentially safer, more individualized, sustainable, and globally accessible healthcare choices.

Chapter 2 discusses different herbal medicines and their potential therapeutic mechanism of action against chronic diseases. This chapter emphasizes the herbs that have potential in the management of diabetes, hypertension, and arthritis.

Chapter 3 points out the most significant medicinal plants in India, which also have a good market potential. This chapter highlights the plants' unique characteristics, the parts used in medicine, and therapeutic principles.

Chapter 4 explains natural products and their bioactive compounds for preventing and treating diabetes mellitus. Particular emphasis was given to the most beneficial antidiabetic chemicals from edible mushrooms and medicinal plants in this chapter.

Chapter 5 points out the comprehensive strategy required for reducing the global impact of cancer, which includes awareness-raising, prevention, early detection, and cutting-edge treatments.

Chapter 6 reveals the role of prognostic biomarkers and their importance as a drug therapeutic target in colorectal cancer therapy.

Chapter 7 encompasses an extensive review of breast cancer's histological and molecular classification, delving into its intricate pathophysiology and associated risk factors. In addition, this chapter consolidates comprehensive insights into breast cancer, emphasizing the potential therapeutic impact of bioactive compounds and medicinal plants.

Chapter 8 details the therapeutic effects of medicinal plants and how they contribute to sustainable development goals by treating numerous chronic ailments, which restores the health and well-being of every individual.

The concept of Ayurvedic pharmacology is covered in Chapter 9, along with a discussion of the plant Aushadhi Dravya, which has been linked to cardioprotective effects. This chapter primarily discusses the inherent Ayurvedic properties of the fruit of Aushadhi Dravya, their incorporation into polyherbal formulations, and some functional food recipes.

Chapter 10 comprehensively explores the application of nanoparticles in treating cardiovascular diseases. This chapter highlights nanomedicine's ethical and regulatory aspects, emphasizing its significant potential in revolutionizing cardiovascular disease treatment.

Chapter 11 explains the detailed information on Barleria longiflora L.F., including pharmacognostical, preliminary phytochemical, and antibacterial properties.

Chapter 12 explains the metabolomics of plants for drug design using in silico studies. This chapter highlights various computational strategies formulated for predicting chemical and biological properties based on chemistry and experimental basis.

Chapter 13 demonstrates the results of phytochemical compounds present in Lawsonia inermis leaves and their effect on the Hbx protein of the hepatitis B virus by in silico analysis.

Chapter 14 highlights the medicinal applications of Terminalia chebula in traditional and modern medicine. This chapter points out the therapeutic properties of Terminalia chebula against cancer, liver damage, cardiovascular diseases, and diabetes.

Chapter 15 depicts the findings that contribute to the understanding that silver nanoparticles may significantly inhibit the growth of aflatoxigenic fungi isolated from poultry feed.

Chapter 16 discusses the promising prospects, challenges, and future directions in leveraging eco-friendly and biocompatible nanoparticles in diverse biomedical scenarios. Also, this chapter describes the vast array of biomedical applications for plant-extract-mediated hydroxyapatite nanoparticles.