Phytochemistry of Australia's Tropical Rainforest: Medicinal Potential of Ancient Plants

Description

Rare, unique and irreplaceable - precious native rainforests occupy a precariously small part of Australia while retaining a remarkable level of both biological and chemical diversity unrivalled by any other ecosystem. Australia's ancient history and traditions are intimately intertwined with the rainforest plants that humans have utilised as both food and medicine. Phytochemistry of Australia's Tropical Rainforest is a record of this history and details how our understanding of these plants has led to the discovery of anaesthetics, analgesics, steroids, antimalarials and more. It provides an insight into the habitat, ecology and family associations of hundreds of species and explores their future therapeutic potential, alongside phytochemical studies of the ancient plant lineages. Toxicological evaluations of important poisonous plants are also included. Rainforests provide shelter for unique flora and fauna that are counted among the rarest species on Earth, many of which are illustrated in this book. This comprehensive work is an essential reference for phytochemists, ethnobotanists and those with an interest in rainforests and their medicinal and botanical potential.

Cheryll J Williams is a qualified acupuncturist and medical herbalist with more than 30 years' clinical experience. She holds post-graduate qualifications in nutritional medicine, homoeopathy and naturopathy. She currently co-runs a wildlife refuge in the World Heritage-listed Daintree Rainforest and is dedicated to conserving this environment.

"I recommend this weighty and incredibly interesting book to anyone with an interest in plants. The wealth of information presented is impressive and well presented." -- Glenn Leiper * Native Plants Queensland * "As Williams also reminds us, any exploitation of that resource [rainforest plants] should be carried out in a way that respects nature and conserves the rainforest habitat for the future. Books such as PATR are therefore very important, and should also serve as a 'wake-up' call to everybody who values our so-called 'natural capital'." -- Nigel Chaffey * Botany One *