Pharmacognosy (the science of biogenic or nature-derived pharmaceuticals and poisons) has been an established basic pharmaceutical science taught in institutions of pharmacy education for over two centuries. Over the past 20 years though it has become increasingly important given the explosion of new drugs, phytomedicines (plant medicines), nutraceuticals and dietary supplements - all of which need to be fully understood, tested and regulated. - Covers the history, biology and chemistry of plant-based medicines - Covers pharmaceutical and neutraceuticals derived from plants - Covers the role of medicinal plants in worldwide healthcare systems - Examines the therapeutics and evidence of plant-based medicines by body system