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Medicinal Plants in Asia for Metabolic Syndrome: Natural Products and Molecular Basis
by Christophe WiartMedicinal Plants in Asia for Metabolic Syndrome: Natural Products and Molecular Basis offers an in-depth view into the metabolic syndrome pharmacology of natural products with an emphasis on their molecular basis, cellular pathways, metabolic organs, and endocrine regulations. This sensational volume provides the scientific names, botanical classifications, botanical descriptions, medicinal uses, chemical constituents, and pharmacological activities of more than 100 Asian plants, with high quality original botanical plates, chemical structures, and pharmacological diagrams. It also lists hundreds of carefully selected bibliographical references, constituents on insulin resistance, obesity, atherosclerosis, atherogenic dyslipidemia, and endothelial dysfunction.
Medicinal Plants in the Asia Pacific for Zoonotic Pandemics, Volume 1: Family Amborellaceae to Vitaceae (Medicinal Plants in the Asia Pacific for Zoonotic Pandemics #1)
by Christophe WiartMedicinal Plants in the Asia Pacific for Zoonotic Pandemics provides an unprecedented, comprehensive overview of the phylogeny, botany, ethnopharmacology, and pharmacology of more than 100 plants used in the traditional medical systems of Asia and Pacific. It discusses their actions and potentials against viruses, bacteria, and fungi that represent a threat of epidemic and pandemic diseases, with an emphasis on the molecular basis and cellular pathways. This book presents scientific names, the botanical classification, traditional medicinal uses, active chemical constituents, and pharmacology. This volume is a critical reference for anyone involved in the discovery of lead molecules or phytopharmaceutical products for the prevention or treatment of pandemic viral, bacterial, or fungal infections. FEATURES Phylogenetic presentation of medicinal plants and a chemotaxonomical rationale of antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal actions Discusses the chemical structure–activity relationship, pharmacokinetics, and oral bioavailability of antimicrobial principles Introduces the molecular mechanism of natural products on viruses, bacteria, and fungi Contains a selection of botanical plates and useful bibliographic references This book is a useful research tool for postgraduates, academics, and the pharmaceutical, herbal, and nutrition industries. Medicinal Plants in the Asia Pacific for Zoonotic Pandemics includes commentary sections that invite further research and reflection on the fascinating and timely subject of the development of drugs and herbals from Asia-Pacific medicinal plants to safeguard humanity and other life forms against the forthcoming waves of viral, bacterial, or fungal pandemics. This book is an ideal reference text for medicinal plant enthusiasts.
Medicinal Plants in the Asia Pacific for Zoonotic Pandemics, Volume 2: Family Zygophyllaceae to Salvadoraceae (Medicinal Plants in the Asia Pacific for Zoonotic Pandemics)
by Christophe WiartMedicinal Plants in the Asia Pacific for Zoonotic Pandemics provides an unprecedented, comprehensive overview of the botany, ethnopharmacology, and pharmacology of more than 100 plants used in the traditional medical systems of Asia and Pacific medicine for the treatment of microbial infections. It discusses their actions and potentials against viruses, bacteria, and fungi that represent a threat of epidemic and pandemic diseases, with an emphasis on the molecular basis and cellular pathways. This book presents for each plant the botanical classification, synonyms, scientific names, local names, habitat, distribution, botanical description, traditional medicinal uses, antimicrobial activities, active antimicrobial principles, and commentaries. This volume is a critical reference for anyone involved in the development of lead molecules or phytopharmaceutical products for the prevention or treatment of pandemic viral, bacterial, or fungal infections. FEATURES Includes phylogenetic presentations of medicinal plants and a chemotaxonomical rationale of antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal actions Discusses the chemical structure–activity relationship, pharmacokinetics, and oral bioavailability of antimicrobial principles Introduces the molecular mechanism of natural products on viruses, bacteria, and fungi Contains a selection of handmade botanical plates and useful bibliographic references This book is a useful research tool for postgraduates, academics, and the pharmaceutical, herbal, and nutrition industries. Medicinal Plants in the Asia Pacific for Zoonotic Pandemics includes commentary sections that invite further research and reflection on the fascinating and timely subject of the development of leads or herbals from Asia-Pacific medicinal plants to safeguard humanity against COVID-19 and the forthcoming waves of viral, bacterial, or fungal pandemics. This book is an ideal reference text for medicinal plant enthusiasts.
Medicinal Plants in the Asia Pacific for Zoonotic Pandemics, Volume 3: Family Bixaceae to Portulacaceae (Medicinal Plants in the Asia Pacific for Zoonotic Pandemics)
by Christophe WiartMedicinal Plants in the Asia Pacific for Zoonotic Pandemics provides an unprecedented, comprehensive overview of the phylogeny, botany, ethnopharmacology, and pharmacology of more than 100 plants used in the traditional systems of Asia and Pacific medicine for the treatment of microbial infections. It discusses their actions and potentials against viruses, bacteria, and fungi that represent a threat of epidemic and pandemic diseases, with an emphasis on the molecular basis and cellular pathways. This book presents for each plant the scientific name, the botanical classification, traditional medicinal uses, active chemical constituents, and pharmacology. This volume is a critical reference for anyone involved in the discovery of leads for the development of lead molecules or phytopharmaceutical products for the prevention or treatment of pandemic viral, bacterial, or fungal infections. FEATURES Includes phylogenetic presentation of medicinal plants and a chemotaxonomical rationale of antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal actions Discusses chemical structure–activity relationship, pharmacokinetics, and oral bioavailability of antimicrobial principles Introduces the molecular mechanism of natural products on viruses, bacteria, and fungi Contains a selection of botanical plates and useful bibliographic references This book is a useful research tool for postgraduates, academics, and the pharmaceutical, herbal, and nutrition industries. Medicinal Plants in the Asia Pacific for Zoonotic Pandemics includes commentary sections that invite further research and reflection on the fascinating and timely subject of the development of leads or herbals from Asia-Pacific medicinal plants to safeguard humanity against the forthcoming waves of viral, bacterial, or fungal pandemics. This book is an ideal reference text for medicinal plant enthusiasts.
Medicinal Plants in the Asia Pacific for Zoonotic Pandemics, Volume 4: Family Cornaceae to Apiaceae (Medicinal Plants in the Asia Pacific for Zoonotic Pandemics #4)
by Christophe WiartViruses and plagues have constantly threatened the survival of humanity since the evolution of modern man. Medical advances, thanks to the application of remedial plants, have helped to fight back against some of the most nefarious bacterial and viral infections, giving humanity a fighting chance. This fourth volume in the Medicinal Plants in the Asia Pacific for Zoonotic Pandemics series provides an unprecedented, comprehensive overview of the pharmacological activity of more than 100 medicinal plants used for the treatment of microbial infections in Asia and the Pacific. The text discusses the actions of such plants against viruses and bacteria representing a threat of epidemic and pandemic diseases, including COVID-19, with an emphasis on the molecular basis and cellular pathways. Scientific names, botanical classifications and descriptions, medicinal uses, and chemical constituents are presented, along with chemical structures and a vast selection of bibliographical references. FEATURES Introduces the molecular mechanism of natural products from medicinal plants in Asia on bacteria and viruses Includes phylogenetic presentations of a selection of medicinal plants and a chemotaxonomical rationale of antiviral and antibacterial actions Discusses the chemical structure–activity relationship, pharmacokinetics, and bioavailability of antimicrobial principles This book is a useful research tool for postgraduates, academics, and the pharmaceutical, herbal, and nutrition industries looking forward to developing antiviral and antibacterial agents from medicinal plants in Asia. Medicinal Plants in the Asia Pacific for Zoonotic Pandemics is a critical reference for anyone involved in the discovery of leads for the treatment of pandemic viral, bacterial, and infections. "This book will be an important resource for scientists, as well as people passionate about helping to save these critical resources. Perhaps a new drug lead will be identified from at least one of these plants." —From the Foreword by Dr. Mark S. Butler, MSBChem Consulting, Brisbane, Australia
Medicinal Plants of Asia and the Pacific
by Christophe WiartDrawing on the author's extensive personal experience, Medicinal Plants of Asia and the Pacific provides comprehensive coverage of the medicinal plants of the region. Describing more than 300 compounds, the book discusses every important class of natural products while highlighting cutting-edge research and recent developments. With its broa
Medicinal Plants of Bangladesh and West Bengal: Botany, Natural Products, & Ethnopharmacology (Natural Products Chemistry of Global Plants)
by Christophe WiartMedicinal Spices of Bengal is a complete compendium. It provides the scientific name, classification, local name(s), historical background, local medicinal uses, botanical description, chemical constituents, pharmacological activity and toxicology of more than 100 medicinal spices used in Bengal. Chemical structures of active constituents are provided as well as numerous references. This book is an indispensable tool for researchers, as well as graduates in various disciplines, including pharmacy, pharmacology, medicine, biotechnology, nutrition, cosmetology and drug development. It is also suitable for anyone who is looking for natural products as leads to be developed in therapeutics, functional nutrition or cosmetology. Focuses on a group of herbs with economic importance – the spices. These herbs demonstrate the richness of chemical diversity and potential pharmacological applications Features field photos with local healers, markets and mode of preparation as well as providing a complete monograph for each plant Discusses the collection and observation of each medicinal spice and presents the ethnopharmacology recorded by the author in Bengal Provides a wealth of scientific information on medicinal spices from an expert in the field Fills an important niche due to the increasing global interests in natural foods and botanical drugs
Medicinal Plants of Borneo (Natural Products Chemistry of Global Plants)
by Simon GibbonsThe rich biodiversity of Borneo provides many useful plants for medicinal purposes. Written by experts in the field, Medicinal Plants of Borneo provides a guide and introduction to the medicinal plants from Borneo used traditionally as well as plants whose medicinal uses have been recently discovered. These include anti-HIV plants – such as Calophyllum lanigerum (calanolide A) – and anti-cancer plants – such as Aglaia foveolata (silvestrol). The book also provides information on the relevant medicinal chemistry, such as isolated bioactive compounds and the mechanism of action, where available. FEATURES Discusses the rich experience in the use of medicinal plants and the wide diversity of Borneo’s botanical resources Presents plants with medicinal properties from a scientific perspective Provides readers with current information on the chemistry and pharmacology of natural products with pharmaceutical potential Covers a range of chemical, botanical and pharmacological diversities Forms an important part of the Natural Products Chemistry of Global Plants series due to an increasing global interest in natural products and botanical drugs Simon Gibbons is Head of the School of Pharmacy, University of East Anglia, UK, and a Professor of Natural Product Chemistry. He was formerly a Professor of Medicinal Phytochemistry at the School of Pharmacy, University College London (UCL). Stephen P. Teo is a forest botanist with the Forest Department, Sarawak, Malaysia.
Medicinal Plants of Central Asia: Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan
by David E. Zaurov Lena Struwe Sasha W. EisenmanThis unique book is a collaborative effort between researchers at Rutgers University and colleagues from numerous institutions in Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan. It will be the first book to document more than 200 of the most important medicinal plants of Central Asia, many whose medicinal uses and activities are being described in English for the first time. The majority of the plants described grow wild in Central Asia with some being endemic, while other species have been introduced to Central Asia but are commonly used in regional plant based medicine. The book contains four introductory chapters. The first and second chapters cover the geography, climate and vegetation of Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan, respectively. The third chapter provides a brief history of medicinal plant use and science in Central Asia and the fourth chapter contains general information about phytochemistry. The fifth chapter comprises the bulk of the book and covers 208 medicinal plant species. Nearly all species have one or more high quality, color photographs. Three useful appendices have been included. The first is a glossary of botanical and ecological terms, the second is a glossary of chemistry terms and the third is a glossary of medical terms. During the preparation of this manuscript we found there to be a deficiency in quality reference resources for the translation of many of the technical terms associated with the different branches of science covered in this book. In order to make our job easier we compiled glossaries over the course of preparing the manuscript and have included them feeling that they will be an extremely valuable resource for readers.
Medicinal Plants of China, Korea, and Japan: Bioresources for Tomorrow's Drugs and Cosmetics
by Christophe WiartAsian medicinal plants show great promise in pharmaceutical and cosmetological development. Researchers engaged in the discovery of new leads in these areas need robust conceptual tools and understanding of interrelated basics of botany, ethnobotany, biomolecular pharmacology, phytochemistry, and medicinal chemistry to guide their investigations. M
Medicinal Plants of Ecuador (Natural Products Chemistry of Global Plants)
by Pablo Chong Aguirre Migdalia Miranda Martínez Patricia Manzano SantanaThis unique volume draws on the rich culture, folklore and environment of medicinal plants in Ecuador, which includes the important rain forest region. This country has rich plant resources and a large diversity of plants. In particular, the Biotechnological Research Center of Ecuador, CIBE, is an important center of plant research and biodiversity. For more than 16 years, CIBE has been performing scientific research on plants and microorganisms with extensive focus on biodiversity, biotechnology, bioproducts, hytopathology, molecular biology, tissue culture and technology transfer. The Center has state-of-the-art infrastructure and technology and a great strength in human resources.
Medicinal Plants of Laos (Natural Products Chemistry of Global Plants)
by Djaja Djendoel Soejarto Kongmany Sydara Bethany Gwen ElkingtonThis book provides a description of medicinal plants of Laos, including their role in maintaining healthcare among the population, their potential as a source for new medicinal compounds, their preservation, and their importance for the well-being of the communities for present and future generations. The focus of this book is to draw on the rich culture, folklore, and environment of medicinal plants in the country. This is an opportunity to describe medicinal plants from a scientifically underrepresented area, with the hope of making an important contribution to the knowledge of the region for academics, scientists, and anyone who has interest in Laos. Features Describes terrestrial medicinal plants from a scientifically underrepresented region Includes a wider variety of plants found growing in Laos than has previously been published Discusses past and present research on medicinal plants that may lead to the discovery of new medicines Describes efforts in the preservation of these medicinal plants for present and future generations Focuses on the rich culture, folklore, and environment of medicinal plant in Laos Provides an important contribution to knowledge of the region and will benefit anyone interested in the medicinal plants of Laos
Medicinal Plants of Sabah, North Borneo (Natural Products Chemistry of Global Plants)
by Christophe WiartResearchers in the field of natural product chemistry and pharmacology focus on discovering new drugs from medicinal plants. The medicinal plants of Sabah (North Borneo), many of which are found in all of Asia and the Pacific, represent a vast array of resources that could be used for the discovery of drugs and the development of cosmetics as well as functional food. No other book focuses on the medicinal plants from this part of the globe in such depth. The author is well known in natural products and this text will appeal to a global audience in presenting the botanical description, chemical constituents, pharmacology, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and functional food potentials of these plants.Features: Describes in a phylogenetic order the habitats, distributions, botanical descriptions, local names, uses, chemical constituents, pharmacological activities, and toxic effects of more than 250 species of medicinal plants of Sabah Provides a selection of botanical plates of medicinal plants endemic to Sabah, hand-drawn by the author Provides comment sections to invite further research on the topic of the development of drugs, dietary products, and cosmetics from Sabah medicinal plants
Medicinal Plants of the Asteraceae Family: Traditional Uses, Phytochemistry and Pharmacological Activities
by Hari Prasad Devkota Tariq AftabThis book highlights 12 major plants in the Asteraceae family from the aspects of traditional uses as food and medicine, phytochemistry, and pharmacological activities. Asteraceae is one of the largest family of flowering plants comprising over 1,600 plant genera and 32,000 plant species. Plants belonging to this family have a long history of being used as medicinal plants for the treatment of various diseases. Many of them are also used in the preparation of foods, beverages, and also used in pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries. In addition, plants such as Artemisia annua have played an important role in the discovery of novel drugs. The book summarizes the traditional uses of the plants in the family Asteraceae and their scientific validation, which helps readers understand their relation and impact on human health. It also explains the Phytochemistry of the species and presents the pharmacological activities and mechanisms in detail. Understanding current scientific knowledge will help in the commercialization of products based on these plants and also helps to find the research gaps that should be fulfilled in the future for their optimal use. It also helps in increasing the awareness of the plant species related to conservation, cultivation, and sustainable utilization. This edited volume comprises chapters contributed by experts from around the world.
Medicinal Plants of the World
by Ben-Erik van Wyk Professor Michael WinkMedicinal plants and plant-derived medicine are widely used in traditional cultures all over the world and they are becoming increasingly popular in modern society as natural alternatives to synthetic chemicals. As more and more natural remedies are being commercialised, there is a need for a user-friendly reference guide to the plants and their products. The book gives the reader a bird's eye view of more than 350 of the best known medicinal plants of the world and their uses, in a compact, colourful and scientifically accurate reference text. It provides quick answers to the most obvious questions: Where does this plant originate? What does it look like? In which culture is it traditionally used? What is it used for? Which chemical compounds does it contain? How safe is it? What is known about its pharmacological activity? What evidence is there that it is effective? The authors also provide short overviews of the various health conditions for which medicinal plants are used and the active compounds (secondary metabolites) found in the plants and their modes of actions. This new edition has an additional 30 plant species, many new and improved photographs and the text has been fully updated to reflect the latest regulatory status of each plant.
Medicinal Plants of Turkey (Natural Products Chemistry of Global Plants)
by Ufuk Koca ÇalışkanThis book is part of the book series titled Natural Products Chemistry of Global Plants, and examines the rich plant diversity of Turkey, with descriptions of the plants and pharmacognosy properties. There is a focus on the chemistry of natural products and areas rich in folklore and botanical medicinal uses are covered with a particular interest in the region of Anatolia. This book focuses on the chemistry of the natural products, and where possible links these molecules to pharmacological modes of action. Students and professionals interested in the ethnobotany, chemistry, pharmacology and biological activites of species used medicinally in Turkey will benefit from this book. Features Addresses the rich chemistry of the natural products and their respective biosynthetic building blocks Includes the association that many of the extracts have today with important drugs, nutrition products, beverages, perfumes, cosmetics and pigments Describes the key natural products and their extracts, with emphasis on sources, their complex molecules and applications in science Fills a gap in our understanding of medicinal plants, specifically in Turkey Provides an in-depth understanding of medicinal plants from Turkey, and their complex chemistry and structures
Medicinal Plants used in Traditional Persian Medicine
by Mamak Hashemi Abadi Maryam Akabery Seyyed Ahmad Askari Sayyedeh Fatemeh Askari Zahra Ayati Sajad Azad Parmis Badr Hamed Baharara Zahra Boghrati Mina Borhani Fatemeh Etemadpour Seyed Majid Ghazanfari Shakila Hajizadeh Bahia Namavar Jahromi Lida Jarahi Mohammad Reza Kanani Seyedeh Mahnaz Karimi Abdolali Mohagheghzadeh Leila Mohtashami Ghazaleh Mosleh Nayebzadeh Motahare Maryam Nikoosokhan Roja Rahimi Zahra Taghipour Mojgan Tansaz Meysam Zaeri Elaheh Zibaee Roodabeh Bahramsoltani Amir Hossein AbdolghaffariMedicinal plants and the natural products within them, still remain the starting point for breakthroughs in the development of safe, pharmacologically active synthetic molecules for use in a wide variety of clinical situations. Traditional Persian Medicine (TPM) is one of the most ancient medical doctrines, and is well-documented in terms of information about diseases, diagnoses and treatments, especially in the application of medicinal plants. TPM has been used for centuries worldwide, and many of these methods are still used in Iran today. The book introduces the basics of TPM, and describes the key medicinal plants used for the treatment of different diseases. It also highlights possible new targets for research activities in drug discovery of natural products. The book is richly illustrated with historic drawings from old Persian pharmacopoeia and photos of plants in their natural habitats. Reference to Ayurvedic, Traditional Chinese Medicine and monastic medicine in Europe are also made. While knowledge about medicinal plants used in TPM still exists in Iran there is a risk that the detailed expertise provided by older generations will be lost in the near future. It is therefore very important that this cultural heritage is properly preserved. This book provides a valuable, evidence-based resource on TPM for researchers, practitioners and students in medicinal plants, ethnobotany and herbal medicine.
Medicinal Protein Engineering
by Yury E. KhudyakovAn All-Inclusive Review of the Achievements and Trends in the Fast-Growing Protein Engineering Field From humble beginnings like making fire for mere survival, engineering now steadfastly penetrates all aspects of our lives and even life itself at the molecular level. Protein engineering is a molecular biological discipline focused on designing and
Medicinal Roots and Tubers for Pharmaceutical and Commercial Applications (Exploring Medicinal Plants)
by Rakesh Kumar Bachheti and Archana BachhetiThe root and tuber are vital parts of medicinal plants providing mechanical support, producing critical growth regulators, and storing food. Bioactive compounds obtained from plant roots and tubers demonstrate health benefits presenting antioxidative, antimicrobial, hypoglycaemic, hypocholesterolaemic, and immunomodulatory properties. Roots of many medicinal plants have been used for the treatment of disease and formulation of drugs, and they are also known for their commercial value, being used as an ingredient in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries. Medicinal Roots and Tubers for Pharmaceutical and Commercial Applications provides information on the medicinal properties of roots and tubers and various phytochemicals derived from them. Features Presents exhaustive information on plant roots and tubers including Glycyrrhiza glabra, Curcuma longa, Beta vulgaris, Zingiber officinalis, Boesenbergia pandurata, Houttuynia cordata, Eutrema japonicum, and Withania somnifera Explains the roles of secondary metabolites isolated from roots and tubers and features information on their pharmaceutical and commercial applications Discusses opportunities for future prospects of different roots and tubers for their industrial applications A volume in the Exploring Medicinal Plants series, this book provides information on phytochemicals derived from medicinal plant roots and tubers. This is valuable information for scientists, researchers, and students working on medicinal plants, economic botany, chemistry, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and many other interdisciplinary subjects.
Medicinal Spice and Condiment Crops (Exploring Medicinal Plants)
by Azamal HusenSpices are used in small quantities to add flavor, aroma, color, and texture in food preparation. However, spices and condiments have also been recognized as having medicinal value. They have been used traditionally as curative and preventive agents, the bioactive compounds obtained from these plants are used in herbal drug formulations in modern times. Medicinal Spice and Condiment Crops provides a comprehensive overview on the medicinal properties of spices and condiments with focus on various phytochemicals derived from them.KEY FEATURES:• Examines spices and condiments with respect to their biology, diversity, distribution, and pharmacological values.• Explores the scientific validations of the therapeutic potentials of spice and condiment plant species.• Discusses the bioactive agents involved in alleviating symptoms of cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, ulcers, skin disorders, and neurodegenerative diseases.• Explains specific medicinal features of spice and condiment-producing plant species inspiring research, discovery, and safe herbal drug formulation.A volume in the Exploring Medicinal Plants series, this book is useful for plant scientists, economic botanists, those who work with herbal and complementary medicine, as well as people working in the pharmaceutical industry.
Medicine: The Definitive Illustrated History (DK Definitive Visual Histories)
by DKSee the greatest medical breakthroughs come to life through superb illustrations!From ancient herbal medicine to traditional Chinese medicine, take a visual tour throughout the history of medicine with this comprehensive medical reference book.Discover medicine through time! Here&’s what you&’ll find in this illustrated history book about medicine: • Offers a broad and accessible visual history of medicine — from the first herbal remedies to efforts surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic • Intriguing narratives are illustrated with photographs, paintings and artifacts • Offers a vivid, compelling and informative read written in an engaging and colourful style • Excerpts from documents, diaries and notebooks offer fascinating eyewitness accounts This medicine history book charts fascinating developments in diagnosis, surgery, healing and drugs through the ages. Feature spreads explore key medical concepts in detail and enhance the reader&’s understanding of human anatomy, surgical instruments and medical developments. Clear diagrams explain major diseases like cancer, and trace the progression of medical treatment through time, from ancient healing arts to scurvy and smallpox to modern psychiatry. Double-page features tell the story of the men and women involved in the extraordinary evolutions of this scientific field — from Hippocrates to Florence Nightingale.It's the perfect book for medical professionals, students of medicine or anyone with a keen interest in medicine, science or social history.
Medicine and Evolution: Current Applications, Future Prospects
by Sarah Elton Paul O’HigginsCan an evolutionary perspective be integrated in day-to-day practice and is it of value in medical education and training? If so, when and how? Highlighting exciting areas of research into the evolutionary basis of health and disease, Medicine and Evolution: Current Applications and Future Prospects answers these questions and more. I
Medicine and Health Care in Early Christianity
by Gary B. FerngrenDrawing on New Testament studies and recent scholarship on the expansion of the Christian church, Gary B. Ferngren presents a comprehensive historical account of medicine and medical philanthropy in the first five centuries of the Christian era.Ferngren first describes how early Christians understood disease. He examines the relationship of early Christian medicine to the natural and supernatural modes of healing found in the Bible. Despite biblical accounts of demonic possession and miraculous healing, Ferngren argues that early Christians generally accepted naturalistic assumptions about disease and cared for the sick with medical knowledge gleaned from the Greeks and Romans.Ferngren also explores the origins of medical philanthropy in the early Christian church. Rather than viewing illness as punishment for sins, early Christians believed that the sick deserved both medical assistance and compassion. Even as they were being persecuted, Christians cared for the sick within and outside of their community. Their long experience in medical charity led to the creation of the first hospitals, a singular Christian contribution to health care.
Medicine and Mobility in Nineteenth-Century British Literature, History, and Culture (Studies in Mobilities, Literature, and Culture)
by Sandra Dinter Sarah Schäfer-AlthausMedicine and Mobility in Nineteenth-Century British Literature, History, and Culture analyses the cultural and literary histories of medicine and mobility as entangled processes whose discourses and practices constituted, influenced, and transformed each other. Presenting case studies of novels, poetry, travel narratives, diaries, ship magazines, skin care manuals, asylum records, press reports, and various other sources, its chapters identify and discuss diverse literary, historical, and cultural texts, contexts, and modes in which medicine and mobility intersected in nineteenth-century Britain, its empire, and beyond, whereby they illustrate how the paradigms of mobility studies and the medical humanities can complement each other.
Medicine and Religion: A Historical Introduction
by Gary B. FerngrenExplores the interplay of medicine and religion in Western societies.Medicine and Religion is the first book to comprehensively examine the relationship between medicine and religion in the Western tradition from ancient times to the modern era. Beginning with the earliest attempts to heal the body and account for the meaning of illness in the ancient Near East, historian Gary B. Ferngren describes how the polytheistic religions of ancient Mesopotamia, Egypt, Greece, and Rome and the monotheistic faiths of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam have complemented medicine in the ancient, medieval, and modern periods.Ferngren paints a broad and detailed portrait of how humans throughout the ages have drawn on specific values of diverse religious traditions in caring for the body. Religious perspectives have informed both the treatment of disease and the provision of health care. And, while tensions have sometimes existed, relations between medicine and religion have often been cooperative and mutually beneficial. Religious beliefs provided a framework for explaining disease and suffering that was larger than medicine alone could offer. These beliefs furnished a theological basis for a compassionate care of the sick that led to the creation of the hospital and a long tradition of charitable medicine.Praise for Medicine and Health Care in Early Christianity, by Gary B. Ferngren"This fine work looks forward as well as backward; it invites fuller reflection of the many senses in which medicine and religion intersect and merits wide readership."—JAMA"An important book, for students of Christian theology who understand health and healing to be topics of theological interest, and for health care practitioners who seek a historical perspective on the development of the ethos of their vocation."—Journal of Religion and Health