Bücher von Yukihiro Shoyama

Ginseng comes from the Chinese pronunciation of rénsh¿n (¿¿). Ginseng (Panax ginseng) was listed in Shennung Ben Ts'ao from approximately two thousand years ago. From then it was widely used in many formulae as an important component in Traditional Chinese Medicine. The oldest specimen of ginseng has been stored together with 60 traditional medicines in the treasure house of Shosoin temple from 1300 years ago in Nara, Japan. The long history may reflect how ginseng is important traditional medicine accumulating a lot of clinical evidence. Ginseng should be used depending on Traditional Chinese Medicine theory, however it is widely used as a health food and a dietary supplement recently because aged population is increasing in the world resulting in increase of consumption of ginseng which affects for body and brain health.

The authors of this thematic issue provide a comprehensive summary of most recent knowledge and references on quality control in wide fields. Quality control is essential for natural products like natural medicine and related food products. In this issue fifteen chapters have been included, discussing in detail various aspects of quality control. It will certainly prove useful not only for phytochemical researchers, but also many scientists working in numerous fields. Much effort has been invested by the contributors to share current information. Without their efforts and input 'Quality Control of Herbal Medicine and Related Areas' could not exist.