Drugs from plants are a major contribution of world health. An enormous increase in the knowledge of herbal drug constituents, their effects, and side effects ahs occurred in recent years. As a result, many herbal products are undergoing a transition from classic herbal teas to standardized extracts.

This book is primarily intended for the students and professionals in the pharmaceutical industry. Assuming little prior knowledge of the subject, the book gives a concise introduction to the chemistry of therapeutically active compounds.

This book is written in a readable and accessible style. The text is organized into classes of drugs with an emphasis on descriptions of their pharmacological effects. It is hoped that the book will be helpful to graduates and advanced graduates of organic chemistry, biochemistry, pharmacology and medicine as well as research.