This book surveys the medicinal uses of tropical plants and the complex landscape of drug discovery and conservation. It details the drug discovery work of major pharmaceutical companies alongside smaller regional efforts, examining biodiversity prospecting, drug development, and conservation. The text also addresses habitat protection, ethical issues, and intellectual property rights, incorporating practical aspects of natural products chemistry. Finally, it covers country and regional programs in medicinal plant research and healthcare, offering guidelines for plant collections.

The book is regarded as a foundational text that bridges ethnobotany, pharmacology, and conservation science. It is noted for its comprehensive approach, covering both the scientific and ethical dimensions of utilizing tropical forest resources for medicine. The work is valuable for researchers, policymakers, and anyone interested in the intersection of biodiversity, health, and sustainable development.