Book excerpt: This 2-volume book set, Phytochemistry and Pharmacology of Medicinal Plants, introduces and provides extensive coverage of 79 important medicinal plant species. Each chapter, written by noted experts in the field, focuses on one important medicinal plant, giving a brief introduction about the species and then delving into the plant’s bioactive phytochemicals along with its chemical structures and pharmacological activities. A wide array of biological activities and potential health benefits of the medicinal plant—which includes antiviral, antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory and antidiabetic properties as well as protective effects on liver, kidney, heart and nervous system—are given. An extensive collection of research literature on pharmacological activities on that species is reviewed. This volume, published under the AAP Focus on Medicinal Plants book series, edited by the accomplished editor, T. Pullaiah, who has taught, researched, written, and published on medicinal plants for over 35 years, will be an important reference resource for years to come for both new and experienced medicinal researchers.