Chapters authored
Hypnosis and Hypnotherapy: The Role of Traditional Versus Alternative Approach
Hypnosis is a state of mind that is characterized by focused attention and heightened receptivity for suggestions. It is either established by compliance with instructions or achieved naturally; the critical nature of the mind is bypassed during hypnosis and acceptable suggestions are delivered. Misperceptions about hypnosis by clinical practitioners and their clients have been shaped through years of inaccurate but interesting portrayals of hypnosis in books, plays, and movies. Part of the misperceptions is that individuals with seemingly magical powers to manipulate the unsuspecting innocent with their authoritative voice commands and penetrating eyes are depicted as hypnotists. This chapter will review the traditional and conventional approaches used in hypnosis, their advantages and disadvantages as well as where hypnosis is used as a complementary or alternative therapy to the modern day orthodox medicine. Despite the pejorative image display of hypnosis and misconceptions surrounding it, hypnosis still has numerous applications in contemporary medicine. Hypnotherapy conducted by a trained therapist is considered as a complementary or safe alternative to present day orthodox medication for numerous ailments.
Part of the book: Hypnotherapy and Hypnosis
Secondary Metabolites: The Natural Remedies
The chapter discusses the meaning and origin of some important classes of secondary metabolites such as alkaloids, terpenoids, tannins, flavonoids, saponins, glycosides, and phenolic compounds, etc., produced by some bacteria, fungi, or plants. Very important drugs that are used clinically are derived from these secondary metabolites. Several reports obtained in scientific journals and books written by different scientists working or who have worked in the fields of natural products medicine were reviewed. These different classes of secondary metabolites have shown activity against varied diseases, and compounds that are of novel structure and activity have been isolated and characterized from them. The chapter highlights the economic impacts of these chemical compounds including their role in improving human and animal health and well-being by serving as sources of some antibiotics, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antifertility, antidiabetics, analgesics, growth promoters, etc. Secondary metabolites are also used to enhance agricultural productivity, they find uses as pesticides, insecticides, and preservatives. Some folkloric uses of secondary metabolites chemical compounds based on reliable sources of information and genuine scientific investigations are highlighted.
Part of the book: Secondary Metabolites