Medicinal Plants and Their Bioactives in Human Diseases

Medicinal plants offer a promising alternative or complement to conventional therapies due to their natural origin, wide availability, and potential to provide a broad spectrum of pharmacological effects. Bioactive compounds derived from these plants, such as alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenoids, and phenolics, have shown diverse therapeutic activities, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, and anti-cancer effects. The use of medicinal plants could provide safer, more holistic approaches to managing chronic and neurodegenerative diseases, reducing side effects and improving patient outcomes.
By focusing on the applications of medicinal plants and their bioactive compounds, this book aims to explore the untapped potential of natural products in combating some of the most challenging diseases affecting human health today. It will serve as a comprehensive reference for researchers, healthcare professionals, and students interested in the therapeutic use of plant-based compounds and contribute to the advancement of integrative medicine.

Professor Kamil Ku-a is a distinguished scholar who has held professorial positions and served as an invited or adjunct faculty member at esteemed academic institutions worldwide. Professor Ku-a is currently working at University of Hradec Kralove in Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic. Recognized for his scholarly impact, Prof. Ku-a boasts an impressive H-index of 70 and has accumulated over 20,000 citations in the Web of Science. In 2021, he was honored as a Highly Cited Researcher by Clarivate Analytics. Additionally, Prof. Ku-a holds five patents and serves as a scientific advisor to several technology companies, further demonstrating his leadership and expertise.
Professor Ji-í Patöka is a renowned toxicologist and academician. He graduated from Masaryk University and earned his doctorate from the Czechoslovak Academy of Sciences. He has served at the Military Medical Academy, University of South Bohemia, and University of Hradec Králové. An emeritus professor, he co-founded the Journal of Applied Biomedicine and authored numerous textbooks and scientific books. With over 660 articles, 8510 citations, and an H-index of 42, his influence in toxicology is profound. He also manages the online TOXICOLOGY server, contributing significantly to research, education, and public scientific outreach.
Dr. Vikas Kumar is an accomplished biotechnologist and Associate Professor at Chandigarh University. He earned his Ph.D. from Shoolini University, India. With an H-index of 22 and over 1500 citations, his work reflects significant scientific impact. He has published more than 60 peer-reviewed articles, authored multiple book chapters, and hold several patents. His research spans medicinal plant biotechnology, antimicrobial resistance, in silico drug design, and bioactive phytocompounds. He is a recipient of numerous academic awards and has participated in several national and international conferences and faculty development programs. Dr. Kumar is known for his innovation, leadership, and interdisciplinary scientific contributions.
Dr. Rajni Dhalaria is an emerging botanist specializing in mycology, ethnobotany, and phytochemistry. She earned her Ph.D. in Botany from Shoolini University of Biotechnology and Management Sciences, India, with a focus on the mycorrhizal impact on phytochemicals and biological properties of medicinal plants. Currently serving as an Assistant Professor at Minerva PG College, she has published 27 scientific papers, including research, reviews, and book chapters, with over 752 citations and an h-index of 10. Dr. Dhalaria is also an active peer reviewer for reputed journals and has presented her work at several national and international conferences. Her contributions reflect strong interdisciplinary expertise and research innovation.