Reviews

Books

Principles and practice of herbal therapy
Law and pharmacy
Public relations

Principles and practice of herbal therapy

'Principles and practice of phytotherapy: modern herbal medicine', by Simon Mills and Kerry Bone. Pp xx+643. Price £46. Edinburgh: Churchill Livingstone, 2000. ISBN 0 443 060169.

A casual reading of the authors' surnames might make the potential reader think that this book could be a romantic novel. Any disappointment will quickly be overcome by the quality of the book, which is a valuable addition to the fairly small number of books dealing with herbal medicines from a scientific perspective.

The term "phytotherapy" is not synonymous with all herbal medicine, since it is used to denote a more rational approach to the treatment of patients, based on what is known about the biological activity of its constituents, than one based on tradition or associated with supernatural phenomena or insights. That is not to say that patients are treated merely as malfunctioning machines, since in phytotherapy, as with most other forms of complementary medicine, a holistic approach to the state of health of the patient is very important.

The book will appeal to a wide range of people with some training in the biological, basic medical and medical sciences, especially pharmacists, since it uses chemical and pharmacological terms with which they are familiar. Pharmacists are increasingly confronted with demands from the public for information about herbal products but many are also themselves becoming fascinated by this very old area of knowledge and how it interacts with modern science and this book will help them to answer many questions. It has a large number of references which underline the thoroughness of the authors, who must be commended for the hard work which this must have entailed.

The book is divided into three parts. The first deals with the general principles of herbal therapy, according to several major systems, although most of the book is concerned with the European/North American system. Clinical trials and safety are dealt with in an informed way and the pharmacology of the major types of phytochemicals is addressed. A novel aspect is the inclusion of information on herbal pharmacokinetics. The second part of the book is a clinical guide based on different pathological states. The integration of medication with overall treatment is stressed, including activities which integrate and assist the bodies own healing and detoxification processes.

The third section of the book is a thorough treatment of 50 major items of materia medica used by herbalists of the European and North American tradition, although several relative newcomers such as evening primrose oil, ginseng, ginkgo and pau d'arco are included. This reflects a willingness to extend the pharmacopoeia in the light of scientific findings and as other herbal medical systems are encountered. Each entry contains well-referenced information on the traditional use of each drug but also a wealth of data on chemical constituents, biological activity, clinical studies and toxicity.

The text of the book is lucid and readable and this is augmented by the layout of the text. This book should be on the shelf (but often open on the desk) of any pharmacist interested in herbal medicine.

P. J. Houghton

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Law and pharmacy

'Blackstone's pharmacy law and practice', by Kenneth Mullan. Pp xxvii+440. Price £23.95. London: Blackstone Press Ltd; 2000. ISBN 1 85431 940 X.

Described as essential reading for pharmacists and pharmacy students, this book provides detailed discussion on criminal law, the Code of Ethics and administrative arrangements that affect pharmacy. It also provides, for those who wish to understand the subject, an explanation of how laws are enacted, the sources and decisions that shape our laws, and guidance on, for example, the laws of contract and tort, which impinge upon the daily life of those who provide advice, goods or services.

The book refers to the sources of law with verbatim quotations where necessary, supplemented by helpful definitions and interpretation.

Each chapter deals with a major area, such as prescription only medicines, Controlled Drugs, the National Health Service and professional negligence. Each can be read in isolation as common themes are repeated where necessary, but the reader would gain considerable insight by reading through the book as each chapter flows naturally from the previous chapters.

For the student of pharmacy, the book will help raise the understanding of the subject and provide more detailed information for particular areas of interest. For the practising pharmacist, the book could provide either a quick reference source to be referred to when questions arise or sections through which a pharmacist can work as part of a review of his or her professional activities. For those outside the profession, the book provides an insight into the "strategy of strict control and regulation" of medicines and poisons.

Stephen Lutener

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Public relations

'Public relations for pharmacists', by Tina L. Pugliese. Pp x+166. Price $28. Washington DC: American Pharmaceutical Association; 2000. ISBN 1 58212 011 0.

This handy, A5-sized, paperback book is written by an American public relations director whose previous background was in finance and then advertising before finally taking up pharmaceutical PR in 1987.

It is an easily read book which would find appeal with local pharmaceutical committee secretaries, Royal Pharmaceutical Society branch public relations officers and entrepreneurial pharmacists who would wish to influence the public at large, subeditors of local newspapers or the media in general.

The booklet covers the basic information on what the media want and how pharmacists can target and best work with the various decision-makers in the field. There are also useful tips on radio (and television) studio techniques, interviewing skills and the importance of planning, structuring and rehearsing responses against the clock.

For those who fear having to answer difficult questions on the air, there is a useful chapter on how to turn questions around and avoid sensitive areas.

The more proactive of the public relations aspirants will welcome the chapter on writing media releases and how to ensure that their scripts are read.

Throughout the book there are sections of "top tips" on subjects such as approaching a reporter, the print media, television interviews, and so on. Each of these sections is worthy of transference to a personal developments notebook for future reference.

In summary, this is a useful and appropriate "entry level" reference book for all pharmacists wishing to become more competent in their relationships with the written and electronic media. Jeremy Clitherow

Jeremy Clitherow

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This week's reviewers

Peter Houghton is professor of pharmacognosy at the department of pharmacy, King's College London

Stephen Lutener is head of pharmacy law in the Royal Pharmaceutical Society's professional standards directorate

Jeremy Clitherow is a pharmacist in Liverpool

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