Genus Rheum (Polygonaceae) (eBook)

Genus Rheum (Polygonaceae): A Global Perspective provides an integrative overview of a genus of highly valued medicinal herbs. It emphasizes in detail various aspects of research on Rheum, from its origin to conservation. The book evaluates the concepts, definitions, models, and findings involved in understanding its botany, ecology, chemistry, ethnobotany, pharmacology, and molecular biology as well as the employment of in vitro propagation strategies vis-a-vis its threat status as a conservation measure. It includes earlier approaches and the recent state-of-art biotechnological interventions to understand and modulate the pathways involved in the biosynthesis of specialized metabolites of therapeutic significance, making it an essential guide and reference to a broader interdisciplinary readership. It also explores the pharmacological importance of Rheum vis-a-vis traditional utility and highlights different areas that need further research and exploration. Moreover, the book describes how this species has reached the brink of extinction and evaluates the role of different conservation strategies that have been employed from time to time. It also describes how in vitro propagation can serve as a means of its multiplication as well as for the generation of desired bioactive chemical constituents within a short time. Features An integrated approach to elucidate the complex taxonomic history of genus Rheum across the world A repository for the traditional utility of rhubarb across cultures for a spectrum of simple to complex human ailments A rich source of findings and insights on phytochemicals reported to date with their potential use as therapeutic agents Elucidation of different genetic, cytological, and biotechnological interventions employed to understand its adaptability, acclimatization, and stability under tremendous natural and anthropogenic pressure Integration of available information, presented in a single lucid script easily accessible to students, researchers, and interested citizens across the world