Biodeterioration of Chemical Constituents: Studies on Biodeterioration of Chemical Constituents of Some Indigenous Herbal Drugs Due to Fungi

The book includes the studies on important herbal drugs. These drugs are utilized as a native medicine in different formulation or in organ form in different systems of medicine in India. It is used in different ailments. The present study highlights the morphology of selected plants, association of fungi with crude drugs under storage condition and effect of relative humidity on fungal growth. The medicinal properties of the herbal drugs depend upon their chemical constituents and these therapeutically active chemical constituents may substantially diminish their therapeutic values due to threat of fungi. Investigations were also carried for the phytochemical screening of six herbal crude drugs to find out the biodeterioration of chemical constituents under storage as well as under infestation condition. The drugs were also screened for aflatoxins detection. It emphasizes the concepts in a concise and systematic manner to formulate a background and arouse interest among the readers. The subject matter has been given in a simple style which would beneficial for the students and researchers in the field of mycology (Botany)