Introduction to Flavonoids


Book Description

Offering a wide ranging view of this important class of plant pigments, after a brief examination of the history & literature of flavonoids, this book explores structural variation of all subclasses of flavonoids, techniques for isolation, purification, & determination of structures, chemical syntheses, biosynthesis & genetics, patterns of distribution in the plant kingdom, & uses. Lastly, the functions of flavonoids in nature are investigated, as well as ways in which these compounds may have a more direct impact upon the human race. Contents: Introduction & Historical Perspective * Structural Variation * Occurrence & Distribution of Flavonoids * Extraction, Purification, & Identification of Flavonoids * Synthesis & Interconversions of Flavonoids * Biosynthesis & Genetics * Flavonoid Functions in Nature * Human Uses of Flavonoids




Flavonoids


Book Description

Flavonoids are abundant secondary metabolites found in plants and fungi that have various roles in these organisms, including pigmentation, cell signalling, plant defence and inter-organism communication. Due to their abundance in nature, flavonoids are also important components of the human diet, and the last four decades have seen an intense study focused on the structure characterization of flavonoids and on their roles in mammal metabolism. This book reviews most of the well-established activities of flavonoids, and we also present more recent research studies on the area of flavonoids, including the chemical aspects of structure characterization of flavonoids, the biosynthesis of flavonoids in model plants as well as their role in abiotic stress situations and in agriculture, the role of flavonoids in metabolism and health and their importance in foods, from consumption to their use as bioactive components.




Flavonoids


Book Description

Advances in the flavonoid field have been nothing short of spectacular over the last 20 years. While the medical field has noticed flavonoids for their potential antioxidant, anticancer and cardioprotectant characteristics, growers and processors in plant sciences have utilized flavonoid biosynthesis and the genetic manipulation of the flavonoid pa




The Science of Flavonoids


Book Description

This is the only book of its kind to provide an overview of the science of flavonoids in plants.




Current Aspects of Flavonoids: Their Role in Cancer Treatment


Book Description

The book comprehensively introduces readers to various aspects of flavonoids, a category of natural metabolites that exhibits various pharmacological effects. It discusses their chemistry, absorption and metabolism, mechanisms of action and toxicology as well as future perspectives for clinical applications, and also provides detailed insights into their anti-cancer properties, since flavonoids are known to modulate tumor-associated intracellular as well as extracellular signaling pathways. The book also highlights the current research on the health effects of selected flavonoids, and their various roles in cancer prevention and treatment. Lastly, the book elucidates nanotechnology-mediated tools to enhance the bioavailability and solubility of flavonoids to improve their bioactivity and pharmacokinetic parameters.




Medicinal Natural Products


Book Description

This guide covers classes of natural products in medicine, whether derived from plants, micro-organisms or animals. Structured according to biosynthetic pathway, it is written from a chemistry-based approach.




Flavonoids of the Sunflower Family (Asteraceae)


Book Description

Flavonoids are secondary plant products that have previously been shown to be helpful in determining relationships among plant groups. This work presents comprehensively the occurrence, patterns of variation, and systematic and evolutionary importance of flavonoids in the sunflower family (Asteraceae), the largest family of flowering plants (23,000 species). It gathers together the more than 2500 reports of flavonoids in Asteraceae published between 1950 to the present and interprets these data in context of new taxonomic (especially generic) alignments. The authors discuss flavonoid patterns with reference to modern phylogenetic studies based on morphology and DNA data. This book provides, therefore, the most exhaustive synthesis and evaluation of the systematic and evolutionary import of flavonoids ever accomplished for any large family of angiosperms.




Polyphenols: Mechanisms of Action in Human Health and Disease


Book Description

Polyphenols: Mechanisms of Action in Human Health and Disease, Second Edition describes the mechanisms of polyphenol antioxidant activities and their use in disease prevention. Chapters highlight the anti-inflammatory activity of polyphenols on key dendritic cells, how they modulate and suppress inflammation, and how they are inactivated or activated by metabolism in the gut and circulating blood. Polyphenols have proven effective for key health benefits, including bone health, organ health, cardiac and vascular conditions, absorption and metabolism, and cancer and diseases of the immune system. They are a unique group of phytochemicals that are present in all fruits, vegetables and other plant products. This very diverse and multi-functional group of active plant compounds contain powerful antioxidant properties and exhibit remarkable chemical, biological and physiological properties, including cancer prevention and cardio-protective activities. - Expands coverage on green tea, cocoa, wine, cumin and herbs - Outlines their chemical properties, bioavailability and metabolomics - Provides a self-teaching guide to learn the mechanisms of action and health benefits of polyphenols




Bioactive Molecules in Food


Book Description

This reference work provides comprehensive information about the bioactive molecules presented in our daily food and their effect on the physical and mental state of our body. Although the concept of functional food is new, the consumption of selected food to attain a specific effect existed already in ancient civilizations, namely of China and India. Consumers are now more attentive to food quality, safety and health benefits, and the food industry is led to develop processed- and packaged-food, particularly in terms of calories, quality, nutritional value and bioactive molecules. This book covers the entire range of bioactive molecules presented in daily food, such as carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, isoflavonoids, carotenoids, vitamin C, polyphenols, bioactive molecules presented in wine, beer and cider. Concepts like French paradox, Mediterranean diet, healthy diet of eating fruits and vegetables, vegan and vegetarian diet, functional foods are described with suitable case studies. Readers will also discover a very timely compilation of methods for bioactive molecules analysis. Written by highly renowned scientists of the field, this reference work appeals to a wide readership, from graduate students, scholars, researchers in the field of botany, agriculture, pharmacy, biotechnology and food industry to those involved in manufacturing, processing and marketing of value-added food products.




Dictionary of Flavonoids with CD-ROM


Book Description

Widely distributed throughout plant families, flavonoids give many flowers and fruits their vibrant colors. They also play a role in protecting the plants from microbe and insect attacks. More importantly, the consumption of foods containing flavonoids has been linked to numerous health benefits. Recent research indicates that flavonoids can be nutritionally helpful by triggering enzymes that reduce the risk of certain cancers, heart disease, and age-related degenerative diseases. Foods that contain high amounts of flavonoids include blueberries, red beans, cranberries, and blackberries. Many other foods, including red and yellow fruits and vegetables and some nuts, as well as red wine and certain teas are also rich in flavonoids. Due the potential health benefits, research into flavonoids and their potential beneficial effects on human health continues unabated. Dictionary of Flavonoids with downloadable resources lists all known flavonoids (approximately 13,000) in a single volume. It details chemical structures, physical properties, and biological source, and also includes a concise bibliography. Derived from the well-respected Dictionary of Natural Products, it is presented in a compact dictionary format, and is an invaluable reference source for all those working in this area. The book is accompanied by downloadable resources that are fully searchable by chemical structure as well as by physical properties and chemical names. Organized in alphabetical order, each page is packed with authoritative information that readers can easily access. The book and downloadable resource combination gives researchers powerful tools for unlocking and utilizing the secrets held within the colors of the plant kingdom.