Drug Discovery from Herbs: Approaches and Applications

Herbal medicines have so far not been strictly based on evidence gathered using the scientific methods, but lately these have gained a lot of attention and a greater scientific interest in the medicinal use of plants has arisen. Although herbal supplements may be considered safe, some are known to be toxic at high doses and others may have potential side effect after prolonged use. The general public is largely unaware that adverse health effects can be associated with the use of herbal supplements resulting from overdosing. There are the matters of great concern. Extensive research is also needed to meet the challenges of identifying the active compounds in the plants, and there should be research-based evidence on whether whole herbs or extracted compounds are better. Smart screening methods and metabolic engineering offer exciting technologies for new natural product drug discovery. Advances in rapid genetic sequencing, coupled with manipulation of biosynthetic pathways, may provide a vast resource for the future discovery of pharmaceutical agents. In order to discuss the above issues, the Centre for Science & Technology of the Non-Aligned and Other Developing Countries (NAM S&T Centre), jointly with the JSS University, Mysore, India, organised an International Training Workshop on ‘Herbal Medicine: Drug Discovery from Herbs: Approaches, Innovations and Applications’ during 30th March – 3rd April 2015 in Mysore (Karnataka) and Ooty (Tami Nadu), India. The workshop facilitated the capacity building and exchange of information and expertise among the developing countries. This book comprises 25 papers from the researchers and professionals of 17 countries, which include those presented at the International Training Workshop on ‘Herbal Medicine: Drug Discovery from Herbs: Approaches, Innovations and Applications’ during 30th March – 3rd April 2015 in Mysore (Karnataka) and Ooty (Tami Nadu), India jointly with the JSS University, Mysore. The book is expected to be of great value and resource material to researchers and professionals who are dealing with herbal drugs research on its various dimensions.