Medicinal and aromatic plants of Indian Ocean Islands.

Ameenah Gurib-Fakim, Thomas Brendler, Q. Bornes, Stuttgart, Medpharm Scientific Publishers, 2004. 567 pages.

The relentless march of the "civilized" world is making irreversible changes to the delicate equilibrium that allowed the proliferation of biodiversity. Even remote islands are not spared. For instance, the present day flora of some islands in the Indian Ocean represents a fraction of the number of species in existence only 50 years ago. This may have serious consequences, especially for therapeutics, as it is estimated that more than half of all the medications currently in clinical use are derived from natural compounds and subsequently synthesized. Furthermore, in many developing countries, people still rely on herbs and plants for their primary health care, and in developed countries the sale of medicinal herbs is a booming business.

Indian Ocean islands such as the Mascarene Islands, Comoros, Seychelles, and Madagascar are home to an unparalleled diversity, and yet, with the exception of Madagascar, the region is underrepresented in the current scientific literature. The authors of the book "Medicinal and Aromatic Plants of Indian Ocean Islands" attempt to remedy this deficit.

In the 567-page book the authors concentrate their efforts on those previously endemic plants which are now rare and less well known. It is ironic that these plants are becoming vulnerable, and many are virtually extinct, because of their very success among the indigenous population to cure a variety of ailments. This book therefore provides insight into several less well-known plants, and hopefully will trigger scientific interest, not only to preserve these plants, but especially to study the variety of compounds in these plants and evaluate their therapeutic potential.

The book is divided into 4 major sections. In the introduction, the authors briefly discuss aspects pertinent to these islands, including their peculiar geomorphology, climate, and flora. Other points of interest are also mentioned, for instance the chronology and origin of volcanoes in Comoros. This is followed by a series of 192 beautiful color photographs of plants. The resolution of these photographs and the richness of color are such that they are quite "alive." Just perusing these illustrations is a very rewarding experience.

The bulk of the book consists of a meticulous and systematic compilation of descriptions of 350 medicinal and aromatic plants the authors have selected. For each plant the information is organized under the following headings: general information, family, vernacular names, etymology, botanical description, distribution and ecology, conservation status, drug specification, chemistry, pharmacology, and use in traditional medicine. In addition, the chemical formula of active compounds is also shown, and 588 black and white diagrams further emphasize important points about these plants.

At the end of the book there is an impressive list of references for those who may be interested in pursuing their study in further detail. There is also an indications index where interested readers may find a list of medications that may be used for different ailments. Finally, a names index and a plant family index are included.

The book is very well organized, easy to read and to refer to. The authors should be complimented for their matter-of-fact approach and meticulous systematic review of the subject. This book should be of interest to many health care professionals, especially those interested in therapeutics. It is also hoped that scientists will find the information in the book helpful to identify compounds that may be subsequently synthesized and used to treat diseases. The book should also be of interest to all those concerned about the environment and preservation of biodiversity.

Ronald C. Hamdy, MD

Editor