Introduction to herbs and spices: medicinal uses and sustainable production

Abstract

The introductory chapter contains a brief history of herbs and spices, including cultivation, trade and uses. The cultivation requirements of important herbal spices are discussed, as well as uses of herbs and spices in food and beverages, perfumes and cosmetics, and medicinal and nutraceutical uses. The important flavour compounds ill major culinary and herbal spices are considered. Other topics discussed in this chapter arc antioxidants isolated from herbs and spices, active plant constituents and the molecular phytopharmacology of a few herbs and spices. It also deals with biosafety and efficacy issues from a phytochemical perspective.