Recently, a colleague questioned the validity of Phytomedicines, since much research shows ambiguous results. I argued for continued Phytomedicinal research, pointing out that experimental differences are often due to different plant cultivars, confused nomenclature, varying concentrations, or preparation methodology. Despite my arguments, he remained unconvinced, and his attitude has continued to bother me. How can a person and his society consume aspirin in hopes that it will decrease the risk of heart attacks, yet refuse to consider that plant chemicals may cure or diminish medical problems plaguing humans? I wish I had the information presented in this book to strengthen my arguments. One of the most compelling statements (Wagner, p. 46) is that of the "2000 registered human diseases and disorders, only about 40% can be cured." Further, most of our current drugs treat the disease symptoms, not, the causes, and may be toxic to the users. Clearly, more conscientious research and consumer education are desperately needed in this area.

Despite the title, Phytomedicines of Europe has a global audience. Although the first four chapters offer a perspective on Phytomedicinal regulatory and market status in the U.S. and Europe, 85% of the book is devoted to research on specific diseases or effects of specific plants. The book does not focus on pure compounds industrially extracted (e.g. digoxin, vinblastine), but centers on other herbal medicines.

The specific effects section contains five chapters devoted to Phytomedicinal research and treatment of allergic asthma, hypertension, benign prostatic hyperplasia, cancer and AIDS. There is also a chapter on plant laxatives. These chapters offer short, easily understandable sections on the biological problems and causes of the diseases, and the pharmacological effects of the Phytomedicinals. For example, in the benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) chapter, Schilcher describes the BPH symptoms and both pathological and histological changes. The author also compares synthetic drugs and herbal prostate drugs, and discusses the active principles and proposed mechanisms of several herbal drugs used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia, including pumpkin seeds, nettle, saw palmetto, and rye pollen.

The last twelve chapters cover effects of specific plants. These plants include Arnica, turmeric, Echinacea, feverfew, garlic, ginkgo, ginseng, hawthorn, milk thistle, mistletoe, St. John's Wort and Vitex agnus-castus. While the chapters may include different types of material (e.g. some chapters have historical information), almost all chapters include the plant's active principles (although some are still unidentified), and the known pharmacological effects. Most chapters include some chemical structures, and some include TLC or HPLC information. The entire text is well-referenced with recent research. Even chemists who blanch at biology and biologists that cower at chemistry should easily comprehend the various principles advanced. The book also contains an excellent subject index.

This text is a wake-up call to American researchers, pharmaceutical companies, physicians and consumers. Tyler mentions (p. 4) that of the 14 top-selling U.S. phytomedicinals, 2/3 are popular mostly because of European research. Even more astonishing, goldenseal is the third best-seller although there is basically no good research on its actions. Despite our American love of a purified drug in a nice, easy-to-swallow pill, phytomedicinal sales are booming in this country. Because of its importance to human health, the field of phytomedicinals in the U.S. should no longer carry the astigmatism of mysticism or quack medicine, but be included as a rational part of our research and health care.

- Michelle A. Briggs, Lycoming College, Williamsport, PA 17701