Text Book of Medicinal Chemistry

Plants are vital for the existence of life in the universe as they not only synthesizefood for the well being of the man but also manufacture different types of chemicalsnecessary for human health. They since time immemorial have been used globallyacross the cultures through out the known civilization as a valuable and natural source ofmedicines and therapeutic environmental and industrial utilities.The uses of herbal remedies and health care preparations obtained from variousmedicinal plants are described in the ancient literature such as Veda Quran and holyBible. The earliest literature on Indian medical practice appeared during the Vedic periodin India.Theories of Ayurvedic and Chinese traditional medicine were used for thetreatment of mankind and are still being used by some indigenous people who have littleaccess to conventional medicines.1Ayurveda traces its origins to the Vedas Atharvaveda in particular and isconnected to Hindu religion. Atharvaveda (one of the four most ancient books of Indianknowledge wisdom and culture) contains 114 hymns or formulations for the treatment ofdiseases.