Month: July 2026

  • Chapter 9 Curare, quinine, and hoodia: Primary importance of secondary plant compounds

    Chapter 9 Curare, quinine, and hoodia: Primary importance of secondary plant compounds

    This chapter emphasises the importance of secondary plant compounds (SPCs), which have provided numerous modern medicines and represent a huge untapped resource. It discusses notable examples like Hoodia, curare, and quinine, exploring their historical uses, cultural implications, and the potential for further exploitation while addressing concerns regarding biopiracy.

  • Chapter 8 Health-giving plants

    Chapter 8 Health-giving plants

    This post explores the multifaceted roles of plants beyond food, emphasising their contributions to leisure activities, health, and well-being. It highlights the importance of grasses in sports, the psychological benefits of green spaces, and the historical significance of gardens. Ultimately, it underscores how plants enhance the lives of people.