Sumeet Dwivedi

Hormones are chemical messengers that are secreted directly into the blood, which transports them to organs and tissues of the body to exert their functions. There are several types of hormones that work on different aspects of body functions and processes. Estrogen, a steroid hormone, carries physiological messages to body organs and systems. These messages differ for each body organ and system. Estrogen sends messages to the uterus to grow and replace the lining that is shed during the previous menses. The three major naturally occurring estrogens in women are estrone (E1), estradiol (E2), and estriol (E3). Estradiol is the predominant estrogen during reproductive years both in terms of absolute serum levels as well as in terms of estrogenic activity. The present book deals with some phytoestrogens most widely used.

Herbs are staging a comeback and herbal 'renaissance' is happening all over the globe. The herbal products today symbolise safety in contrast to the synthetics that are regarded as unsafe to human and environment. Women disorders are very frequent among females. Although the tribal people traditionally use many plants to cure many gynaecological disorders, yet no such documentation has been done earlier. Keeping this in view, the present study was initiated with an aim to identify medicinal plants resources and traditional knowledge of tribal people of Central India to treat several gynaecological troubles. A synoptic account of plant species, parts used, application and approximate doses in possible cases and ethno-medicinal values to cure gynaecological disorders among the tribals has been prepared and reported in the present study.

Herbs are staging a comeback and herbal 'renaissance' is happening all over the globe. Medicinal plant resources of forest origin are extensively used in India for various systems of medicine like Ayurveda, Unani, Homoeopathy, Allopathy, Siddha and Ethnic etc. Such traditional used of plants as medicine has not been documented properly, rather remain secret and passed from one generation to another through world mouth. Naturally, due to non-recording properly, this traditional knowledge is gradually vanishing as a result of modernization.Michelia champaca L. (Magnoliaceae) commonly known as Champa wild in the eastern sub-Himalayan tract and lower hills up to 3,000 ft. and found in Assam, Burma, South India. The plant is a handsome, evergreen shrub. Leaves 15- 25 by 5-9 cm., lanceolate, acute, entire, glabrous; petioles 18-25mm long. Flowers about 5-6.2 cm. diameter, very fragrant, greyish yellow pubescent. Sepals and petals 15 or more deep yellow or orange.