The Lamiaceae Family: An Overview provides information on the ethnobotanical, chemical diversity, pharmacological activities and commercial importance of over 100 Himalayan Lamiaceae species belonging to Nepeta, Ocimum, Mentha, Elsholtzia, Ajuga, Origanum, Thymus, Hyssopus, Calamintha, Plectranthus, Coleus, Perilla, Pogostemon, Salvia, Stachys, Teucrium and Scutellaria. Next, the authors provide systematic and thorough information on the phenolic composition of two Origanum species extracts obtained using different solvents and/or methods shown to possess antioxidant properties that might be correlated to their traditionally established usage. In order to protect essential oils from degradation, to improve their stability and bioavailability, different methods of their encapsulation in various colloidal systems such as microcapsules, microspheres, nanoemulsions and liposomes are introduced. In addition, literature data revealed that the incorporation of synthetic as well as herbal drugs into phospholipids carriers such as liposomes tended to improve their efficacy. Following this, in vitro-grown plantlets of Lavandula officinalis were subjected to green-synthesized silver nanoparticles at 1, 2 and 4 mg/L concentrations. Growth parameters such as elongation, shoot and root formation and biomass accumulations are investigated to understand the effects of silver nanoparticles on micropropagation. Additionally, the variation of major secondary metabolites in water extracts of 13 different Lamiaceae herbs are investigated. After raising for 8 weeks in the greenhouse, the herbs were harvested and cryopreserved using liquid nitrogen. Afterward, sample extracts (20% w/v) were prepared from the leaf using ultrapure water and analyzed using UPLC-MS/MS. The authors presents some evidence about homoploid hybridization of Origanum genus put forward by Ietswaart. If habitat, ecological and geographic isolations occur between the hybrids and their parents, these hybrids can be speciated via homoploid hybridization in the future. In conclusion, an overview of aromatic species belonging to the family Lamiaceae is presented, and the chemical composition of the volatile fraction of these existing species in Ecuador is also reported.

This Special Issue Book entitled "Lamiaceae Species: Biology, Ecology and Practical Uses" contributes to the knowledge of selected Lamiaceae species from several perspectives, such as diversity and phytogeography, taxonomy, ethnobotany, and quantitative and qualitative composition, as well as the biological activity of secondary metabolites.

The pharmacopoeias of most African countries are available and contain an impressive number of medicinal plants used for various therapeutic purposes. Many African scholars have distinguished themselves in the fields of organic chemistry, pharmacology, and pharmacognosy and other areas related to the study of plant medicinal plants. However, until now, there is no global standard book on the nature and specificity of chemicals isolated in African medicinal plants, as well as a book bringing together and discussing the main bioactive metabolites of these plants. This book explores the essence of natural substances from African medicinal plants and their pharmacological potential. In light of possible academic use, this book also scans the bulk of African medicinal plants extract having promising pharmacological activities. - The book contains data of biologically active plants of Africa, plant occurring compounds and synthesis pathways of secondary metabolites - This book explores the essence of natural substances from African medicinal plants and their pharmacological potential - The authors are world reknowned African Scientists

"Since the first days of community life, human beings have used different plant species for food, fodder, construction materials, fuel, dyes and treatment of diseases, among other applications. The Lamiaceae family is one of the most important plant families that includes many species that people use for various purposes in their daily life. Origanum contains several species commonly used as spices and tea for medicinal purposes, and is one of the most commercially important genera within the family Lamiaceae. In this book, the genus Origanum is introduced in seven chapters in detail. Taxonomy of Origanum is given in the first chapter, pollen characteristics are given in the second chapter, phylogeny, biogeography and character evolution are given in the third chapter, cultivated species, suitable varieties for agriculture, yield and quality characteristics, and harvesting processes are given in the fourth chapter, secondary metabolites (monoterpenes, phenolics, flavonoids, diterpenes etc.) are given in the fifth chapter, biological activities (antimicrobial, antiviral, antifungal, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antidiabetic activity) are given in the sixth chapter, and finally the traditional uses and prescriptions, pharmacology, commercial and economic importance of the genus are given in the seventh chapter"--

This book consists of several thematic groups, including botany, zoology and topics related to human health. In regards to botany, chapters discuss endemic plants of Bolivia, Mexico, Italy and the Caribbean. They show the diversity, distribution and conservation of many species. In regards to zoology, the book highlights endemic primates and reptiles. Additionally, the book presents other environmental issues relevant to conservation. This volume also presents topics related to health, some of which are relevant for their implications on health and the economy, is the case of the presence of toxins in the Pacific plankton.All chapters present relevant content for future research or because they are fundamental for territorial management.

The genus Microtoena is a lovely and enigmatic member of the mint family. This new monograph is a comprehensive taxonomic revision, based on extensive field observations, population sampling, specimen examinations, scanning electron microscopy observations, statistical analysis of characters, and molecular phylogenetic analysis. Detailed species descriptions are enhanced by 20 maps, 18 full page line drawings and numerous field photos. This is an essential reference for taxonomists, growers, breeders and horticulturalists. Qiang WANG. Associate Professor at the State Key Laboratory of systematic and Evolutionary Botany, Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences. A young taxonomist, his main interests are taxonomy, phylogeny and evolution of Lamiaceae, and his passion for Microtoena stretches back 10 years.

Medicinal Spices and Vegetables from Africa: Therapeutic Potential against Metabolic, Inflammatory, Infectious and Systemic Diseases provides a detailed look at medicinal spices and vegetables that have proven safe-and-effective for consumption and the treatment of diseases, including infectious diseases, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. It provides pharmacological evidence, such as the latest information related to efficacy and safety data, in vitro and in vivo studies, clinical trials, and more, to illustrate the use of these spices and vegetables as both palliative and alternative treatments with the goal of furthering research in this area to produce safer and more effective drugs. - Provides scientific evidence for the potential of medicinal spices and vegetables used in Africa to fight metabolic, inflammatory, and infectious diseases - Includes a review of the latest methods used to investigate the effects of medicinal plants in the treatment of disease - Offers an updated resource for students sand scientists in the fields of pharmaceutical science, pharmacognosy, complementary and alternative medicine, ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry, biochemistry, and more