Functional and Preservative Properties of Phytochemicals


Book Description

Functional and Preservative Properties of Phytochemicals examines the potential of plant-based bioactive compounds as functional food ingredients and preservative agents against food-spoiling microbes and oxidative deterioration. The book provides a unified and systematic accounting of plant-based bioactive compounds by illustrating the connections among the different disciplines, such as food science, nutrition, pharmacology, toxicology, combinatorial chemistry, nanotechnology and biotechnological approaches. Chapters present the varied sources of raw materials, biochemical properties, metabolism, health benefits, preservative efficacy, toxicological aspect, safety and Intellectual Property Right issue of plant-based bioactive compounds. Written by authorities within the field, the individual chapters of the book are organized according to the following practical and easy to consult format: introduction, chapter topics and text, conclusions (take-home lessons), and references cited for further reading. - Provides collective information on recent advancements that increase the potential use of phytochemicals - Fosters an understanding of plant-based dietary bioactive ingredients and their physiological effects on human health at the molecular level - Thoroughly explores biotechnology, omics, and bioinformatics approaches to address the availability, cost, and mode of action of plant-based functional and preservative ingredients




Membrane Transporters and Channels as Targets for Drugs


Book Description

Transporters and channels are membrane proteins that mediate the traffic of metabolites, water and ions across biological membranes. Membrane transport proteins are crucial to maintain homeostasis and assure cell survival upon intracellular or environmental stress. A failure of any of these transport systems may have dramatic consequences for cell function. There is increasing evidence that membrane transport proteins play important functions in healthy conditions and that their absence or dysfunction may cause diseases. In recent years much attention has been paid to diseases resulting from defective transporters (“carrier diseases”) and ion channels (“channelopathies”). Very interestingly, altered expression of transporters has been described in several human pathologies. On this basis, many transport proteins are well acknowledged targets for drugs. Many others are involved in drug delivery and disposition and/or are considered potential targets. Others are off-targets for drugs and then, are responsible for side effects. Thus, membrane protein drug discovery is now an emerging field where the search for physiological mechanisms of regulation and for chemical compounds as modulators of transport activity, present new opportunities for drug development and for new therapies. This Research Topic addresses the latest research advances in membrane transport proteins, stimulating future research on these important protein families.




Handbook of Food Chemistry


Book Description

This handbook is intended to be a comprehensive reference for the various chemical aspects of foods and food products. Apart from the traditional knowledge, this book covers the most recent research and development of food chemistry in the areas of functional foods and nutraceuticals, organic and genetically modified foods, nonthermal food processing as well as nanotechnology. This handbook contains both the basic and advanced chemistry both for food research and its practical applications in various food related industries and businesses. This book is appropriate for undergraduates and postgraduates in the academics and professionals from the various disciplines and industries who are interested in applying knowledge of food chemistry in their respective fields.




Phytochemicals in Human Health Protection, Nutrition, and Plant Defense


Book Description

Proceedings of the 38th Annual Meeting at the Phytochemical Society of North America on Phytochemicals in Human Health Protection, Nutrition and Plant Defense, held July 26-31, 1998 in Pullman, WA, USA




Omics Studies of Medicinal Plants


Book Description

Herbal drugs play a pivotal role in modern medicine and pharmaceutical care; however, only limited biotechnology applications have been seen in medicinal plants. Revolutions in high-throughput approaches emphasize omics approaches, such as genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics. A volume in the Exploring Medicinal Plants series, this book provides a comprehensive and in-depth analysis of breakthroughs in high-throughput approaches for the research of medicinal plants. Exploring the principles and applications of omics technologies, this book is essential for those working on or are involved in the modern research of medicinal and aromatic plants. There is also a strong focus on practical implications of these technologies through exploring the safety aspects and conservation strategies of various plants. From informative discussions on the latest research to a holistic evaluation of their potential applications, this book appeals to students, researchers and professionals working with medicinal and aromatic plants, as well as healthcare professionals interested in the area.




Handbook of Plant Food Phytochemicals


Book Description

Phytochemicals are plant derived chemicals which may bestow health benefits when consumed, whether medicinally or as part of a balanced diet. Given that plant foods are a major component of most diets worldwide, it is unsurprising that these foods represent the greatest source of phytochemicals for most people. Yet it is only relatively recently that due recognition has been given to the importance of phytochemicals in maintaining our health. New evidence for the role of specific plant food phytochemicals in protecting against the onset of diseases such as cancers and heart disease is continually being put forward. The increasing awareness of consumers of the link between diet and health has exponentially increased the number of scientific studies into the biological effects of these substances. The Handbook of Plant Food Phytochemicals provides a comprehensive overview of the occurrence, significance and factors effecting phytochemicals in plant foods. A key of objective of the book is to critically evaluate these aspects. Evaluation of the evidence for and against the quantifiable health benefits being imparted as expressed in terms of the reduction in the risk of disease conferred through the consumption of foods that are rich in phytochemicals. With world-leading editors and contributors, the Handbook of Plant Food Phytochemicals is an invaluable, cutting-edge resource for food scientists, nutritionists and plant biochemists. It covers the processing techniques aimed at the production of phytochemical-rich foods which can have a role in disease-prevention, making it ideal for both the food industry and those who are researching the health benefits of particular foods. Lecturers and advanced students will find it a helpful and readable guide to a constantly expanding subject area.




Phenolic Compound Biochemistry


Book Description

These are just a few examples that illustrate the chemical diversity and use of phenolic compounds, the topic of ‘Phenolic Compound Biochemistry’. This book is written for researchers, instructors, advanced undergraduate students and beginning graduate students in the life sciences who wish to become more familiar with these and many other intriguing aspects of phenolic compounds. Topics covered include nomenclature, chemical properties, biosynthesis, including an up-to-date overview of the genetics controlling phenolic metabolism, isolation and characterization of phenolic compounds, phenolics used in plant defense, and the impact of phenolics on human health. The book is written in an accessible style, and assumes only basic knowledge of organic chemistry, biochemistry and cell physiology. More than 300 chemical structures and reaction schemes illustrate the text. Wilfred Vermerris is Associate Professor of Agronomy at the University of Florida Genetics Institute in Gainesville, FL. His research focuses on the genetic control of phenolic compounds that impact agro-industrial processing of crop plants. Ralph Nicholson is Professor of Botany and Plant Pathology at Purdue University in West Lafayette, IN. He is an expert on phenolic compounds involved in the plant’s defense against pathogenic fungi and bacteria.




Peptic Ulcer Disease


Book Description

Peptic ulcer disease is one of the most common chronic infections in human population. Despite centuries of study, it still troubles a lot of people, especially in the third world countries, and it can lead to other more serious complications such as cancers or even to death sometimes. This book is a snapshot of the current view of peptic ulcer disease. It includes 5 sections and 25 chapters contributed by researchers from 15 countries spread out in Africa, Asia, Europe, North America and South America. It covers the causes of the disease, epidemiology, pathophysiology, molecular-cellular mechanisms, clinical care, and alternative medicine. Each chapter provides a unique view. The book is not only for professionals, but also suitable for regular readers at all levels.




Progress in Food Preservation


Book Description

This volume presents a wide range of new approaches aimed at improving the safety and quality of food products and agricultural commodities. Each chapter provides in-depth information on new and emerging food preservation techniques including those relating to decontamination, drying and dehydration, packaging innovations and the use of botanicals as natural preservatives for fresh animal and plant products. The 28 chapters, contributed by an international team of experienced researchers, are presented in five sections, covering: Novel decontamination techniques Novel preservation techniques Active and atmospheric packaging Food packaging Mathematical modelling of food preservation processes Natural preservatives This title will be of great interest to food scientists and engineers based in food manufacturing and in research establishments. It will also be useful to advanced students of food science and technology.