"Plants which provides health-promo-ting characteristics, temporary relief or symptomatic problems or has curative properties is generally called as medicinal plants. The practice of using of natural plant substances to treat and prevent illness has existed since prehistoric times and flourishes today as the primary form of medicine for perhaps as much as 80 per cent of the world's population. Over 80,000 species of plants are in use throughout the world.

The present publication is an up-to-date, authentic and comprehensive dictionary of medicinal plants. It aims to provide clear, concise and correct definitions and descriptions of the terms used in herbal medicine. It is designed to be a comprehensive reference tool for health authorities, scientists and pharmacists and to the general public. It is earnestly hoped that it will be an authoritative source to which one can turn with confidence for meaning and knowledge of the common, specialised and latest terms in herbal medicine and allied fields." (jacket)