Dennis V.C. Awang

　　Does Echinacea fight the common cold? Does St. John’s Wort (SJW) really counteract depression? What about chondroitin for joint health? Today’s healthcare professionals are increasingly confronted with questions from patients who want to use herbal supplements to treat various conditions. A critical and scientific assessment of medicinal plant research by an internationally recognized researcher and writer in the field, Tyler’s Herbs of Choice: The Therapeutic Use of Phytomedicinals, Third Edition combines the scientific aspects of herbal medicine, phytomedicine, and pharmacognosy with the modern clinical trials that support the rationale for using plant products in healthcare.

　　A Decade’s Worth of Updates

　　The original edition of this volume was authored by the late Professor Varro E. Tyler, a true giant in the field of pharmacognosy and pharmacy education. Following in Tyler’s footsteps, Dennis V.C. Awang, co-editor of the journal Phytomedicine, recognized the need for a revised third edition, in light of how quickly the clinical literature surrounding the dietary supplement market is growing.

　　Millions of consumers are demanding natural treatment options from their doctors and pharmacies in a variety of forms, from herbal teas to tinctures and capsules. Tyler’s Herbs of Choice: The Therapeutic Use of Phytomedicinals, Third Edition effectively fosters understanding in patients and practitioners of the role that herbs and phytomedicinal products can play in both self-care and healthcare.

Dr. Dennis V.C. Awang was employed as a research scientist at Health and Welfare Canada for 24 years, prior to establishing his own consulting business. At the Bureau of Drug Research of the Health Protection Branch, he directed research in support of the regulatory bureau of the Drugs Directorate, the areas of drug stability and methodology development for antibiotics, hormones, and natural products. He was also, for many years, the official spokesperson in herbal science for the Canadian government. Dr. Awang was recently appointed co-editor for North America of the journal Phytomedicine.