Drug Discovery and Evaluation


Book Description

This reference book contains a comprehensive selection of the most frequently used assays for reliably detecting pharmacological effects of potential drugs, including tests for cardiovascular, analgesic, psychotropic, metabolic, endocrine, respiratory, renal, and immunomodulatory activities. Each of the over 700 assays comprises a detailed protocol with the purpose and rationale of the method, a description of the experimental procedure, a critical assessment of the results and their pharmacological and clinical relevance, and pertinent references. Identification of specific tests is facilitated by the enclosed CD-ROM which allows for a quick and full text research. An appendix with guidelines and legal regulations for animal experiments in various countries will help to plan these experiments properly in accordance with the welfare of laboratory animals.




Forskolin


Book Description

Forskolin is a labdane diterpene, isolated from plant Coleus forskohlii (Lamiaceae), which has been used in traditional Indian medicine, Ayurveda. Forskolin increases the production of cyclic adenosine monophosphatase (cAMP) by activating adenylate cyclase. Forskolin has many pharmacological effects and some of them are independent of cAMP. Coleus forskohlii root, which contains forskolin has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for cardiovascular disorders and gastrointestinal disorders. Recently, forskolin has been used as anti-obesity and anti-glaucoma agents. This book discusses the sources, mechanisms of action and health effects of forskolin.




Medicinal and Aromatic Plants VI


Book Description

27 chapters cover the distribution, economic importance, conventional propagation, micropropagation, tissue culture studies, and in vitro production of important medicinal and other pharmaceutical compounds in various species of Anchusa, Brucea, Catharanthus, Chrysanthemum, Coleus, Corydalis, Coreopsis, Emilia, Ginkgo, Gloriosa, Hypericum, Inonotus, Leucosceptrum, Lilium, Linum, Mosses, Nandina, Penstemon, Prunus, Pteridium, Quassia, Ribes, Senecio, Taraxacum, Thermopsis, Vanilla, and Vitiveria. Like the previous five volumes on medicinal and aromatic plants (Volumes 4, 7, 15, 21, and 24), this book contains a wealth of useful information for advanced students and researchers in the field of plant biotechnology and chemical engineering, pharmacy, botany and tissue culture.




Chemistry of Natural Products


Book Description

During the last few decades, research into natural products has advanced tremendously thanks to contributions from the fields of chemistry, life sciences, food science and material sciences. Comparisons of natural products from microorganisms, lower eukaryotes, animals, higher plants and marine organisms are now well documented. This book provides an easy-to-read overview of natural products. It includes twelve chapters covering most of the aspects of natural products chemistry. Each chapter covers general introduction, nomenclature, occurrence, isolation, detection, structure elucidation both by degradation and spectroscopic techniques, biosynthesis, synthesis, biological activity and commercial applications, if any, of the compounds mentioned in each topic. Therefore it will be useful for students, other researchers and industry. The introduction to each chapter is brief and attempts only to supply general knowledge in the particular field. Furthermore, at the end of each chapter there is a list of recommended books for additional study and a list of relevant questions for practice.




G Protein Pathways


Book Description

G Protein Pathways is the first of three volumes examining the nature of heterotrimeric G proteins. The text takes an integrated approach to studying common experimental questions at many different levels related to G proteins. Methods related to G proteins using molecular modeling, systems biology, protein engineering, protein biochemistry, cell biology, and physiology are all accessible in the same volume. The critically acclaimed laboratory standard for more than forty years, Methods in Enzymology is one of the most highly respected publications in the field of biochemistry. Since 1955, each volume has been eagerly awaited, frequently consulted, and praised by researchers and reviewers alike. Now with more than 300 volumes (all of them still in print), the series contains much material still relevant today--truly an essential publication for researchers in all fields of life sciences.




Annual Reports in Medicinal Chemistry


Book Description

Annual Reports in Medicinal Chemistry




Recent Advances in Plant Biotechnology and Its Applications


Book Description

This book is divided into five sections. The first section deals with the methodology and bioresource generation, techniques related to genetic engineering, and gene transfer to the nuclear genome and chloroplast genome. The new techniques of genome profiling and gene silencing are also presented. The second section of the book covers the classical aspect of plant biotechnology viz. tissue culture and micropropagation. Use of genetic engineering via Agrobacterium and direct transfer of DNA through particle bombardment to develop transformed plants in Artemisia, castor and orchids, and production of recombinant proteins in plant cells have been dealt with in the third section. The fourth section addresses the abiotic and biotic stress tolerance in plants. The basic biology of some of the stress responses, and designing plants for stress tolerance is discussed in this section. The fifth section examines medicinal plants and alkaloid production.




Tyrosine Hydroxylase


Book Description

Tyrosine hydroxylase is the rate-limiting enzyme in the biosynthesis of catecholamines. Since the discovery of this enzyme by Dr. Toshiharu Nagatsu, the enzyme has been intensively studied in relation to both its physiological function in the brain and brain disorders. Especially the successful application of L-DOPA therapy for Parkinson's disease suggests that this enzyme should have a primary role in the progress of this disease. As a tribute to Dr. Toshiharu Nagatsu, this book presents an overview of research on this important enzyme, from molecular to clinical aspects. The book also includes the latest results on functional and clinical aspects of the enzyme. It provides as insight in how the enzymatic and biochemical study of this monooxygenase has led to the understanding of many diseases such as Parkinson's disease, stress and emotional disorders.




High-Tech and Micropropagation VI


Book Description

This volume, fifth in the series High-Tech and Micropropagation, contains 24 chapters arranged in the following three sections: I. Vegetables and Fruits: garlic, Amaranthus, Brassica oleracea, pepper, watermelon, cassava, banana, Myrtus communis, passionfruit, Polymnia sonchifolia, pepino, and spinach. II. Grasses: bamboos, Caustis dioica, Dendrocalamus, Miscanthus x giganteus, sugarcane. III. Trees: Aegle marmelos, Eucalyptus, Fraxinus excelsior, Juglans cinerea, Pinus virginiana, Prosopis, and Ulmus. This book is of use to research workers, advanced students, and teachers in the fields of horticulture, forestry, botany, and plant biotechnology in general, and also to individuals interested in industrial micropropagation.




Textbook of Natural Medicine


Book Description

Covering preventive, non-invasive, and natural treatments, Textbook of Natural Medicine, 4th Edition offers more than just alternative medicine. It promotes an integrated practice that can utilize natural medicine, traditional Western medicine, or a combination of both in a comprehensive, scientific treatment plan. Based on a combination of philosophy and clinical studies, Textbook of Natural Medicine helps you provide health care that identifies and controls the underlying causes of disease, is supportive of the body's own healing processes, and is considerate of each patient's unique biochemistry. Internationally known authors Joseph Pizzorno and Michael Murray include detailed pharmacologic information on herbs and supplements, plus evidence-based coverage of diseases and conditions to help you make accurate diagnoses and provide effective therapy. Comprehensive, unique coverage makes this book the gold standard in natural medicine. A scientific presentation includes the science behind concepts and treatments, and discusses Western medical treatments and how they can work with natural medicine in a comprehensive treatment plan; if natural medicine is not effective, this book recommends the Western treatment. Coverage of pharmacology of natural medicines includes the uses and potential dangers of nearly 80 herbal medicines, special nutrients, and other natural agents, addressing topics such as general information, chemical composition, history, pharmacology, clinical applications dosage, and toxicology. In-depth, evidence-based coverage of 73 diseases and conditions includes key diagnostic criteria, pathophysiology of diseases, and therapeutic rationales. Coverage of potential interactions between drugs, herbs, and supplements ensures the safest possible use for each of 79 herbs and supplements. Diagnostic procedures include practical, easy-to-follow descriptions of evidence-based techniques plus discussions of clinical application of diet analysis, food allergy testing, immune function assessment, fatty acid profiling, hair mineral analysis, and other diagnostic approaches. Common therapeutic modalities are described and reviewed, including botanical medicine, nutritional therapy, therapeutic fasting, exercise therapy, hydrotherapy, counseling, acupuncture, homeopathy, and soft tissue manipulation. Coverage of syndromes and therapies helps in understanding the underlying causes of diseases by discussing topics such as food reactions, functional toxicology, sports nutrition, stress management, and breathing pattern disorders. Coverage of the philosophy of natural medicine includes its history and background, with discussions of toxicity, detoxification, and scientific documentation of the healing actions of nature and natural substances. Internationally known authors Joseph Pizzorno and Michael Murray and more than 90 expert contributors provide material that is up to date, accurate, and informed. More than 10,000 research literature citations show that the content is based on science rather than opinions or anecdotes. 13 useful appendices offer quick lookup of frequently used charts, handouts, and information. New chapters are included on hot topics such as female infertility, medicinal mushrooms, natural products and quality control, pregnancy health and primary prevention, and Vitamin K; new appendices include a supplier certification questionnaire and cervical escharotics treatment. Thorough updates ensure that you use only the most current research and provide the most effective treatment of patients. Tabs in Specific Health Problems section separate more than 70 alphabetized diseases/conditions. One convenient volume replaces the cumbersome two-volume set for easy, convenient reference. Electronic access is available via Pageburst, making it easy to search topics, drugs, herbs and supplements, and diseases and conditions. Sold separately.