With chapters authored by world-renowned scientists, this book summarizes landmark research and describes medicinal plants as nature'¬"s pharmacy. It provides suggestions on how to conserve, maintain, examine, and protect plants from deforestation, urbanization, and biopiracy. The chapters include a comprehensive account of the history of medicinal plants, including origin, genetic resources, cytogenetics, varietal improvement through conventional and modern methods, and their use in producing pharmaceutical drugs, cosmeceutical products, nutrition and food products, and beverages. The book concludes with an examination of the use of molecular technology for maintaining authenticity and quality of plant-based products.