The family Gentianaceae is found in almost every part of the World. Plants of this family have a high degree of polymorphism. The distinguishing characters among genera and species are there but due to plasticity of the characters the identification is very difficult. For overcoming this difficulty, a critical taxonomic study is necessary. Taxonomic revision of Indian Gentianaceae has not been done since C.B. Clarke’s work in Flora of British India, which is now more than a century old. This is the first book of its kind, presenting correct names, synonyms and world distribution of 196 species and varieties, grouped into 17 genera of this family found in India. Out of these taxa the detailed taxonomic study of 14 genera and 82 species and varieties was done by the author and published in her book entitled ‘Gentianaceae of North-West Himalayas’. However, to complete the revision of total Indian Gentianaceae, study on double the number of species and varieties was wanted. The present checklist does not deal with the descriptions etc., of the plants but to present correct nomenclature some new combinations and new citations have been made. A list of endemic species is also given. An elaborate bibliography is appended at the end. This check-list of plant names in alphabetical order would be very useful for the taxonomists, working on this family in particular, and on Indian Flora, in general. This will also be useful for botanists of other countries.

This is the first of two volumes on Gentianaceae. Comprising twelve chapters, it centres upon the characterization and ecology of Gentianaceae worldwide, with emphasis on the application of molecular and cytological approaches in relation to taxonomy. The first three chapters consider the classification of the family and review the advances in research since the earlier revision published in 2002, which resulted in the reclassification of some plants and the naming of new genera. The next chapter provides the most comprehensive report to date of the systematics of South American Neotropical woody Gentians. Other reviews include details of the Gentianaceae in Eastern Europe. The key biochemical steps that result in the diversity of Gentian flower colors, the cytology of European species and an historical account of the importance of Gentians in herbal medicines are also covered. Furthermore, an analysis of gene expression in overwintering buds is presented, discussing several aspects of plant taxonomy, phenotypic characteristics, phylogeography and pedigree. Two contributions highlight the importance of Gentians in India, and the last chapter presents evidence for the importance of Glomeromycota in developing arbuscular mycorrhizal associations with the roots of Gentians. This volume provides the basis for the biotechnological approaches that are considered in the companion book The Gentianaceae – Volume 2: Biotechnology and Applications.

This is the first of two volumes on Gentianaceae. Comprising twelve chapters, it centres upon the characterization and ecology of Gentianaceae worldwide, with emphasis on the application of molecular and cytological approaches in relation to taxonomy. The first three chapters consider the classification of the family and review the advances in research since the earlier revision published in 2002, which resulted in the reclassification of some plants and the naming of new genera. The next chapter provides the most comprehensive report to date of the systematics of South American Neotropical woody Gentians. Other reviews include details of the Gentianaceae in Eastern Europe. The key biochemical steps that result in the diversity of Gentian flower colors, the cytology of European species and an historical account of the importance of Gentians in herbal medicines are also covered. Furthermore, an analysis of gene expression in overwintering buds is presented, discussing several aspects of plant taxonomy, phenotypic characteristics, phylogeography and pedigree. Two contributions highlight the importance of Gentians in India, and the last chapter presents evidence for the importance of Glomeromycota in developing arbuscular mycorrhizal associations with the roots of Gentians. This volume provides the basis for the biotechnological approaches that are considered in the companion book The Gentianaceae – Volume 2: Biotechnology and Applications.

With contributions by numerous experts

Viruses and plagues have constantly threatened the survival of humanity since the evolution of modern man. Medical advances, thanks to the application of remedial plants, have helped to fight back against some of the most nefarious bacterial and viral infections, giving humanity a fighting chance. This fourth volume in the Medicinal Plants in the Asia Pacific for Zoonotic Pandemics series provides an unprecedented, comprehensive overview of the pharmacological activity of more than 100 medicinal plants used for the treatment of microbial infections in Asia and the Pacific. The text discusses the actions of such plants against viruses and bacteria representing a threat of epidemic and pandemic diseases, including COVID-19, with an emphasis on the molecular basis and cellular pathways. Scientific names, botanical classifications and descriptions, medicinal uses, and chemical constituents are presented, along with chemical structures and a vast selection of bibliographical references. FEATURES Introduces the molecular mechanism of natural products from medicinal plants in Asia on bacteria and viruses Includes phylogenetic presentations of a selection of medicinal plants and a chemotaxonomical rationale of antiviral and antibacterial actions Discusses the chemical structure–activity relationship, pharmacokinetics, and bioavailability of antimicrobial principles This book is a useful research tool for postgraduates, academics, and the pharmaceutical, herbal, and nutrition industries looking forward to developing antiviral and antibacterial agents from medicinal plants in Asia. Medicinal Plants in the Asia Pacific for Zoonotic Pandemics is a critical reference for anyone involved in the discovery of leads for the treatment of pandemic viral, bacterial, and infections. "This book will be an important resource for scientists, as well as people passionate about helping to save these critical resources. Perhaps a new drug lead will be identified from at least one of these plants." —From the Foreword by Dr. Mark S. Butler, MSBChem Consulting, Brisbane, Australia

The many spice and aromatic plants are arranged in alphabetical order of their botanical relevance. It includes all species which have been cultivated for the above purposes. It also covers species whose usage has long ceased or which are used only rarely or have become wild. In total over 1400 plants have been collated. The register of literature has been designed to facilitate the study of a specific plant or spice. Works both on botany and agriculture, and on chemistry, pharmacodynamics and usage have been considered.