James A. Duke

James A. Duke

Born	April 4, 1929
Birth place	Birmingham, Alabama, USA
Died	December 10, 2017
Place of death	Fulton, Maryland, USA
Nationality	American
Known for	Ethnobotanical research, "The Green Pharmacy"

James A. Duke (April 4, 1929 – December 10, 2017) was an American ethnobotanist and botanist renowned for his extensive work in the field of medicinal plants. He is best known for his book "The Green Pharmacy" and his contributions to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) as a researcher and scientist.

Early Life and Education

James A. Duke was born in Birmingham, Alabama, and developed an early interest in plants and nature. He pursued his higher education at the University of North Carolina, where he earned his Ph.D. in botany. His doctoral research focused on the taxonomy and ecology of plants, laying the foundation for his future work in ethnobotany.

Career

Duke's career was primarily associated with the United States Department of Agriculture, where he worked for over three decades. During his tenure at the USDA, he conducted extensive research on the medicinal properties of plants, compiling a vast database of phytochemicals and their potential health benefits.

Contributions to Ethnobotany

James A. Duke was a pioneer in the field of ethnobotany, which studies the relationship between people and plants, particularly how plants are used in traditional medicine. He traveled extensively, documenting the use of plants in various cultures and compiling this knowledge into accessible formats for both scientific and public audiences.

Publications

Duke authored numerous books and articles on medicinal plants, with "The Green Pharmacy" being one of his most popular works. This book provides practical advice on using herbs and plants for health and wellness, drawing on both scientific research and traditional knowledge.

Legacy

James A. Duke's work has had a lasting impact on the fields of botany and alternative medicine. His comprehensive databases and publications continue to serve as valuable resources for researchers, practitioners, and anyone interested in the medicinal uses of plants.

Also see

• Ethnobotany
• Medicinal plants
• Phytochemistry
• Herbal medicine
• United States Department of Agriculture