Medicinal Plants and Pharmacognosy: A Comprehensive Textbook for Undergraduate Students

Medicinal plants have been used for centuries as a primary source of therapeutic agents and continue to play a significant role in modern pharmacology, nutraceutical development, and traditional medicine systems worldwide. This textbook, Medicinal Plants: Principles, Bioactive Compounds, and Applications, provides a comprehensive overview of medicinal plant science, integrating fundamental principles of plant biology, phytochemistry, ethnobotany, and biotechnology. The book is designed for undergraduate and graduate students in horticulture, plant science, pharmacognosy, and related disciplines. It covers key topics including the classification of medicinal plants, biosynthesis of secondary metabolites, extraction and identification of bioactive compounds, and the physiological roles of plant-derived metabolites. Emphasis is also placed on the sustainable cultivation, conservation, and utilization of medicinal plant resources, particularly in arid and semi-arid environments. Special attention is given to recent advances in plant biotechnology, stress physiology, and environmentally sustainable production systems. By combining scientific foundations with practical applications, this textbook aims to bridge the gap between traditional knowledge and modern plant science. This work is intended as an open educational resource to support global access to high-quality learning materials in medicinal plant science.