In this comprehensive desk reference, a variety of bioactives and therapeutics from the legume family (Fabaceae or Leguminosae) are thoroughly detailed. For each species included in the volume, a brief introduction is given, the plant’s bioactive compounds are listed, and its chemical structures shown, followed by their pharmacological activities. Many of these plants have medicinal activities that include antiviral, antimicrobial, antioxidant, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and antidiabetic, hepatoprotective, nephroprotective and cardioprotective. The biochemical characteristics of the 37 plants included, such as the type of starch, protein, and fibers, can be exploited as binders, excipients, thickeners, and dispersants in the formulation of various products in the pharmaceutical industry. The published literature on the pharmacological activities on each species is reviewed and presented in a concise and clear manner. This will be an important source book for pharmaceutical researchers, scientists, and others in development of new drugs.

Natural Products and their Bioactives in Antidiabetic Drug Discovery Enables researchers to effectively understand and use bioactive compounds to target, prevent, and manage diabetes Natural Products and Their Bioactives in Antidiabetic Drug Discovery provides readers with an overview of recent research in new drug discovery against diabetic complications based on bioactives from NPs, bridging the gap between the public research institutes and private companies working to find drugs to treat diabetes. To aid in reader comprehension, the text includes case studies and illustrated examples in relevant chapters. Part one presents chapters on fundamental concepts of diabetes mellitus (DM) and recent drug discovery progress along with the various druggable targets and challenges. Part two covers bioactive compounds targeting Type-1 Diabetes. Part three focuses on Type-2 Diabetes. In Part four, the contributors address gestational DM prevention and management with natural compounds. Written by a global team of experts in the field, Natural Products and their Bioactives in Antidiabetic Drug Discovery covers sample topics such as: Obesity risk factor in patients with T1DM and possible role of nutritional therapy in its management Use of natural non-insulin drugs as a novel approach to enhance therapeutic outcomes against T1DM Effectiveness of functional foods in intervening the diabetic complications and realistic results in clinical trials Implementation of nanotechnology in improving the bioavailability and reducing the threshold dose of bioactive compounds Various antidiabetic mechanisms of action of different polyphenols and immunomodulatory role of NPs bioactives relevance in T1DM therapy Effects of natural products on genetics of gestational diabetes With comprehensive coverage of recent research in new drug discovery against diabetic complications based on bioactives from NPs, Natural Products and Their Bioactives in Antidiabetic Drug Discovery is an essential resource for researchers and professionals involved in drug discovery and development, health care, medicinal chemistry, phytochemistry, plant science, and toxicology.

This volume sheds new light on the immense potential of medicinal plants for human health from different technological aspects. It presents new research on bioactive compounds in medicinal plants that provide health benefits, including those that have proven especially effective in treating and managing diabetes mellitus and hypertension. It looks at the medicinal properties, antioxidant capacity, and antimicrobial activity of plants and provides scientific evidence on the use of medicinal plants in the treatment of certain diseases. Many of the plants described in the chapters are easily accessible and are believed to be effective with fewer side effects in comparison to modern drugs in the treatment of different diseases.

Nanotechnology and In Silico Tools: Natural Remedies and Drug Discovery provides the latest information and updates in the area of drug discovery. It covers aspects like nanomedicines, bioinformatics, molecular docking, molecular modeling, QSAR, virtual screening and computational chemistry as well as metabolomics research using various tools. The drug discovery process accelerates the design of new leads for various life-threatening diseases and natural medicines. Silico tools have been an integral part of the drug discovery process, playing a major role as a template for drug discovery and offering a holistic approach to better management of various diseases. Nanotechnology and In Silico Tools: Natural Remedies and Drug Discovery combines the principles of natural medicines with refined modern technology to help chemists in the development of a more ecofriendly, and effective discovery process. - Combines principles of natural medicines with refined modern technology - Provides the latest updates on drug discovery - Covers technologies for synthetic products that can be applied for the investigation of plant-derived natural remedies

This book covers the recent innovations relating to various bioactive natural products (such as alkaloids, glycosides, flavonoids, anthraquinones, steroids, polysaccharides, tannins and polyphenolic compounds, volatile oils, fixed oils, fats and waxes, proteins and peptides, vitamins, marine products, camptothecin, piperines, carvacrol, gedunin, GABA, ginsenosides) and their applications in the pharmaceutical fields related to academic, research and industry.

Bioactive compounds in food, known for their positive health effects, can be lost during handling after harvest, processing and storage. While most foods are exposed to processing to increase shelf life and edibility and to ensure microbial safety, conventional processing methods may have disadvantages, such as decreasing the nutritional quality of foods, long processing times, high temperature and high energy uses. For these reasons, novel non-thermal food processing technologies (including HPP, ultrasound) and novel thermal food processing technologies (including microwave/Ohmic heating) have become widespread. This book provides a critical evaluation of the effects of conventional, novel non-thermal, and thermal food processing techniques on the retention and bioaccessibility of bioactive compounds in food materials. Within these three categories, many different processing methods are included: fermentation/germination, drying, extrusion, and modified atmosphere packaging, as well as novel technologies, such as microwave heating, ultrasound, high pressure processing, ozonation, and membrane separation processes.

This new 2-volume set offers a comprehensive review of more than 80 medicinal plant species, providing information on the bioactives and pharmacology of these beneficial plants. It describes the structures of the secondary metabolites found in these plants, the functions of these compounds in human and plant biology, and the biosynthesis of these compounds. Each chapter begins with a brief introduction about the species. The chapters then delve into the bioactive phytochemicals from the plant along with its chemical structure. The published literature on pharmacological activities on that species is comprehensively reviewed. A wide array of the biological activities and potential health benefits of the medicinal plant (which include antiviral, antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, and antidiabetic properties as well as protective effects on liver, kidney, heart and nervous system) are given. Phytochemical Composition and Pharmacy of Medicinal Plants aims to be valuable source book for scientists, researchers, industry professionals, faculty and students for the development of new and effective drugs from medicinal plants.

Frankincense, also called olibanum, is an aromatic resin used since ancient times for incense, perfume and aromatherapy. It is readily available as an essential oil or as a supplement or extract, and studies have shown that it may enhance heart health and liver health and soothe pain and inflammation. This new volume is a comprehensive desktop reference book specifically gum olibanum - frankincense. It introduces the significance of the species and covers the botany, phytochemistry, propagation, extraction, and pharmacological uses. It also discusses the species’ genetic diversity using molecular markers, in vitro propagation and biotechnological aspects of Boswellia species, the trade and commerce of frankincense, and as well as its threats and conservation.

When introduced to the human body, bioactive metabolites produced by plants for self defense bind to particular biochemical targets, most notably to proteins involved in signaling by hormones and neurotransmitters. This, essentially, is the basis for the effects of herbal medicine. While herbal medicine preparations may act by complex synergistic interactions, molecular explanations of herbal medicine efficacy and side effects ultimately require definition of the biochemical targets of individual plant bioactive constituents. Biochemical Targets of Plant Bioactive Compounds is a comprehensive and user-friendly reference guide to biochemical targets of plant defensive compounds. With 500 pages of tables, it presents a mine of succinctly summarized information relating to bioactive compound structures, plant sources, biochemical targets and physiological effects that can be readily accessed via chemical compound, plant genus, plant common name and subject indexes. With introductory chapters providing reviews of the structural diversity of plant defensive compounds and biochemistry, this book is an invaluable reference for biomedical professionals in the fields of alternative/complementary medicine, natural product chemistry, toxicology, pharmacology, and botany.

Legumes are a major constituent of vegetarian diets and alleviate malnutrition because they are protein-rich and easily digestible. Moreover, a legume-based diet is much more sustainable than a meat-based diet. Recent research has disclosed major advances in legume agriculture and biotechnology, leading to improved health benefits from nutrients, antioxidants, polyphenolic phytochemicals, phenolic acids, flavonoids and tannins. This book reviews bioactive compounds and their applications, and conventional breeding and biotechnology for legume sustainability and nutritional enhancement.