"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"--

Oregano: The Genera Origanum and Lippia is an updated analysis of the technical knowledge and market information on the world's most commercially valuable spice. The book treats various aspects of practical significance for the crop's industrialization, such as optimizing germplasm selection and utilization, novel cultivation methods and product pr

Herbs and spices are among the most versatile ingredients in food processing, and alongside their sustained popularity as flavourants and colourants they are increasingly being used for their natural preservative and potential health-promoting properties. An authoritative new edition in two volumes, Handbook of herbs and spices provides a comprehensive guide to the properties, production and application of a wide variety of commercially-significant herbs and spices.Volume 1 begins with an introduction to herbs and spices, discussing their definition, trade and applications. Both the quality specifications for herbs and spices and the quality indices for spice essential oils are reviewed in detail, before the book goes on to look in depth at individual herbs and spices, ranging from basil to vanilla. Each chapter provides detailed coverage of a single herb or spice and begins by considering origins, chemical composition and classification. The cultivation, production and processing of the specific herb or spice is then discussed in detail, followed by analysis of the main uses, functional properties and toxicity.With its distinguished editor and international team of expert contributors, the two volumes of the new edition of Handbook of herbs and spices are an essential reference for manufacturers using herbs and spices in their products. They also provide valuable information for nutritionists and academic researchers. - Provides a comprehensive guide to the properties, production and application of a wide variety of commercially-significant herbs and spices - Begins with a discussion of the definition, trade and applications of herbs and spices - Reviews the quality specifications for herbs and spices and examines the quality indices for spice essential oils

Jekka Mcvicar's original New Book of Herbs ushered in a new type of gardening reference book, covering a wide choice of herbs and their uses. Grow Herbs puts Jekka's comprehensive information into a fresh, up-to-date format for a new audience of keen organic gardeners, herb enthusiasts, and those interested in natural healthcare and herbal products for the home. Grow Herbs' opening chapter covers all practical aspects of designing, cultivating, and propagating herbs, with practical step-by-step photographs to illustrate Jekka's organic gardening techniques. The A-Z directory showcases her top 100 herbs, with close-up photography and advice on growing and using each species, cross-referenced to the sections on using herbs in the kitchen and around the home, which follow. These cover herb marinades, sauces and hot dishes, as well as household uses such as surface cleaners, room fragrances and pet care. Packed with practical horticultural advice as well as inspirational recipes and projects, Grow Herbs will encourage new gardeners to make herbs a part of their garden design, and shows experienced herb-growers how their plants can be put to use in the kitchen and around the house.

Novel Plant Bioresources: Applications in Food, Medicine and Cosmetics serves as the definitive source of information on under-utilized plant species, and fills a key niche in our understanding of the relationship of human beings with under-utilized plants. By covering applications in food, medicine and cosmetics, the book has a broad appeal. In a climate of growing awareness about the perils of biodiversity loss, the world is witnessing an unprecedented interest in novel plants, which are increasingly prized for their potential use in aromas, dyes, foods, medicines and cosmetics. This book highlights these plants and their uses. After an introductory section which sets the scene with an overview of the historical and legislative importance of under-utilized plants, the main four parts of the book are dedicated to the diverse potential application of novel plant bioresources in Food, Medicine, Ethnoveterinary Medicine and Cosmetics. Examples and contributors are drawn from Africa, Europe, the USA and Asia. The economic, social, and cultural aspects of under-utilized plant species are addressed, and the book provides a much needed boost to the on-going effort to focus attention on under-utilized plant species and conservation initiatives. By focusing on novel plants and the agenda for sustainable utilization, Novel Plant Bioresources highlights key issues relevant to under-utilized plant genetic resources, and brings together international scholars on this important topic.