"There is considerable and growing interest in the Western world in medicinal plants and herbal drugs. In fact there is increasing debate about bringing these products under legislative control in line with synthetic drugs. The Indian subcontinent is the source of many plants of medicinal importance. This book provides botanical descriptions and information on the medicinal properties of 550 plant species from Central and Southern India, some of which are also found elsewhere in the world.

Scientific and common names (in 14 languages) are provided for each species, and they are superbly illustrated by high quality colour photographs. The book represents a landmark in the literature and will appeal to a range of readers interested in botany, horticulture, forestry and traditional medicine."--BOOK JACKET.