Book Reviews

Herbal Drugs and Phytopharmaceuticals. A Handbook for Practice on a Scientific Basis, 2nd Edition

Reviewers for This Issue: Mary L. Chavez, PharmD¹ 

¹College of Pharmacy, Midwestern University – Glendale

NORMAN GRAINGER BISSET.Herbal Drugs and Phytopharmaceuticals. A Handbook for Practice on a Scientific Basis, 2nd Edition. New York, NY: CRC Press. 2001. xvi + 566 pp, 1057 fig, 6 tbls, $259.00 (softback).

In 1994, an edited and English translation of the German text Ein Handbuch fur die Praxis auf Wissenschaftlicher Grundlage entitled "Herbal Drugs and Phytopharmaceuticals: A Handbook for Practice on a Scientific Basis" was published. The book included 181 monographs of herbals commonly used in Europe and Asia. The monographs contained information on plant source, synonyms, constituents, indications, side effects, herbal testing information, residue information, and regulatory status in European countries. Other items included herbal illustrations and 5 indexes. The text was a very useful reference for anyone interested in herbal products.

The second edition should have been a timely welcome since pharmacists and other healthcare professionals are being besieged by questions about herbal medicines. However, this second edition is an exact reprinting of the first edition. Therefore, it is the opinion of this reviewer that this reference is actually a second printing and not a second edition. Indeed, the most recent cited references are from 1994, making some sections and information outdated.

Corresponding Author: Mary L. Chavez, PharmD
Address: College of Pharmacy – Glendale, Midwestern University, 19555 North 59th Avenue, Glendale, AZ 85308
Tel: 623-572-3525
Fax: 623-572-3550
E-mail: mchave@arizona.midwestern.edu

Chavez ML. Herbal Drugs and Phytopharmaceuticals. A Handbook for Practice on a Scientific Basis, 2nd Edition. Am J Pharm Educ. 2003; 67(2):article 54.