From the roots of ancient folk medicine to the frontiers of synthetic biology, Salinlunas traces the enduring relationship between plants and healing. Written with both scientific rigor and cultural insight, this book explores the molecules of life (i.e., alkaloids, terpenoids, phenolics, and polyketides) uncovering how they have shaped human health, survival, and discovery. Through stories of plant defense, chemical warfare, co-evolution, and landmark drugs, Salinlunas brings pharmacognosy to life as more than a science of compounds: it is a story of heritage, struggle, and innovation. Blending Filipino sensibilities with global science, the book invites readers to see nature not only as a source of cures, but also as a teacher of resilience and imagination. Whether you are a student of pharmacy, medicine, or biology, or simply a reader curious about how plants and people are bound together, Salinlunas offers a compelling journey into the healing spirit of nature.
