Medicinal Plants of the World

A photographic guide to the most commonly used and best known medicinal plants of the world.

An authoritative reference account of 320 medicinal plants (one full-page each) including a checklist with 900 of the most important plants used in herbal medicine in different parts of the world.

An attractive white lotus blossom on the book's appealing front cover - one of the perfect shots by the first author Ben-Erk van Wyk, a professor of botany in Johannesburg, SA. The book's external "perfume" makes you curious whether the contents can live up to first expectations. Turning to page 213 in the alphabetical order of the plants I find the full-page description of the "sacred lotus": three brilliant photos of habitus, bundled dried leaves, and two rhizomes (one cut open to expose the curious internal cavernous structure). The half page of text consists of short sections on: description, origin, parts used, therapeutic category, uses and properties, preparation and dosage, active ingredients, pharmacological effects, notes, and status - at the bottom of the page, species name and family followed by common names in six different languages. With as much information on one single page, it yet does not appear overloaded: the layout is clear and appealing.

The "Alphabetical Section" is followed by 20 pages on "Health Disorders and Medicinal Plants" with paragraphs covering the most important organ disfunctions treatable by plants. An "Overview of Secondary Metabolites and Their Effects" of another 20-some pages contains chemical information (with formulas) of the most important groups of medicinally active compounds found in plants - the particular specialty of the second author Michael Wink, professor of pharmaceutical biology of Heidelberg, Germany, and a renowned authority in his field. A "Quick Guide to Commercialised Medicinal Plants" contains in tabulary alphabetical order some 900 plants with name, origin, plant parts used, active principle, medicinal system, and main indications. Finally the book is rounded off with a thorough glossary, list of references and index.

The very appealing layout and typeset matches the overall harmonic concept of this reference book which invites the user to dwell. All-in-all a well-balanced survey and handy reference that deserves a dedicated spot on your bookshelf. A well-done comprehensive, authoritative, brillantly illustrated reference ... and excellent value, which can be strongly recommended to anyone interested in plants!

Theodor C.H. Cole, Dipl.biol., Heidelberg, Germany


Authoritative and Great Value!   September 25, 2004
Rezensentin (Deutschland)
1 out of 1 found this review helpful

As a biology student I would've profited greatly from a book of this sort. Back in the old days, there were only dull black-and-whites available (with line drawings) at such student-friendly price. I've learned to appreciate a well-done comprehensive, authoritative, and brillantly illustrated reference of this kind ... and strongly recommend it to anyone interested in plants!

Theodor C.H. Cole, Dipl.biol., Heidelberg, Germany