The Benefits of Plant Extracts for Human Health


Book Description

Nature has always been, and still is, a source of food and ingredients that are beneficial to human health. Nowadays, plant extracts are increasingly becoming important additives in the food industry due to their antimicrobial and antioxidant activities that delay the development of off-flavors and improve the shelf life and color stability of food products. Due to their natural origin, they are excellent candidates to replace synthetic compounds, which are generally considered to have toxicological and carcinogenic effects. The efficient extraction of these compounds from their natural sources and the determination of their activity in commercialized products have been great challenges for researchers and food chain contributors to develop products with positive effects on human health. The objective of this Special Issue is to highlight the existing evidence regarding the various potential benefits of the consumption of plant extracts and plant-extract-based products, with emphasis on in vivo works and epidemiological studies, the application of plant extracts to improving shelf life, the nutritional and health-related properties of foods, and the extraction techniques that can be used to obtain bioactive compounds from plant extracts.




Plant Extracts: Applications in the Food Industry


Book Description

Plant Extracts in Food Applications is the first book of its kind focusing on the application of plant extracts in the food industry. Topics cover sources, extraction and encapsulation techniques, the chemistry and stability of plant extracts, antimicrobials, preservatives, nutrient enhancers, enzymes, flavoring and coloring agents, packaging aid, health benefits, opportunities and the challenges surrounding the use of plant extracts in food applications. Written by several experts in the field, this book is a valuable resource for students, scientists, and professionals in food science, food chemistry and nutrition. Concerns and potential risks regarding the use of synthetic chemicals have renewed the interests of consumers using natural and safe alternatives. Plant extracts represent an interesting ingredient, mainly due to their natural origin and phytochemical properties, allowing for obtaining active materials to extend shelf-life and add value to the product. Presents chapters that deal with different sources of plant extracts and their applications in the food industry Covers the various extraction procedures which are used for plant extracts Includes the health benefits and stability of plant extracts Provides the role of plant extracts for shelf life enhancement, packaging aid, and as flavoring and coloring agents




Herbal Medicine


Book Description

The global popularity of herbal supplements and the promise they hold in treating various disease states has caused an unprecedented interest in understanding the molecular basis of the biological activity of traditional remedies. Herbal Medicine: Biomolecular and Clinical Aspects focuses on presenting current scientific evidence of biomolecular ef




Plant Extracts in Skin Care Products


Book Description

This book is a printed edition of the Special Issue "Plant Extracts in Skin Care Products" that was published in Cosmetics




Plant Secondary Metabolites for Human Health


Book Description

This new book deals with recent advanced research on natural products and health-promoting foods that work to reduce the risk of diseases while enhancing overall well-being. Plant-based functional foods are known to contain compounds (also referred to as phytochemicals) in the leaves, stems, flowers, and fruits of certain plants. These plant products are drawing the attention of researchers because of their demonstrated beneficial effects against disease, particularly diabetes, hypertension, cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, among others. The medicinal and nutritional use of plant secondary metabolites is a hot topic and has been receiving extensive attention from both health professionals and the public. This book presents new information on the extraction of bioactive compounds from plants, plant-based drugs, and the innovative use of plant-based drugs for human health.




Phytochemicals


Book Description

Phytochemicals, consumed as part of the diet, improve human health by lowering its risk and preventing chronic diseases. Fruits, vegetables, chocolate, pulses, and teas, among others, are rich sources of phytochemicals; however, only a certain amount has been isolated and identified. Moreover, the wide diversity of these compounds requires optimized extraction methodologies for further characterization and evaluation of healthy properties. This Special Issue addresses interdisciplinary research related to phytochemicals, highlighting their dietary sources, innovative extraction methodologies, and their effects on human health. Seven papers have been selected for further contribution to phytochemical studies.




Plant Extracts


Book Description

Plant extracts are widely used for therapeutic purposes. The vegetal origin of these products satisfies people’s desire to cure themselves with natural drugs; this aspect, together with effectiveness and regulatory opportunities, is the base of the broad modern use of medicinal plants. Traditional uses and novel biological effects allow the availability of an extraordinarily high number of different compounds with formidable therapeutic potential. Nevertheless, pitfalls are hidden behind poor pharmacological and toxicological knowledge of plant extracts, nonstandardized methods of extraction, and undefined and nonrepeatable qualitative and quantitative composition. In this context, novel experimental studies on plant products and appreciated and are necessary to reinforce the scientific soundness of phytotherapy. This book aims to respond to this medical need comprehensively highlighting the newest discoveries in vegetal resources with an emphasis on pharmacological activity.




Phytochemicals in Human Health


Book Description

Naturally present bioactive compounds in plants are referred to as "Phytochemicals" and are being studied extensively for their role in human health. Studies have shown that they can have an important role to play in the prevention and management of several human diseases. Recognizing the increasing interest in this area, this book is being published in response to the need for more current information globally about phytochemicals and their role in human health. Chapters of the book are authored by internationally recognized authors who are experts in their respective field of expertise. The chapters represent both original research as well as up-to-date and comprehensive reviews. We are sure that the book will be an important reference source meeting the needs of a wide range of interest groups.




The Role of Phytoconstitutents in Health Care


Book Description

This informative volume provides new insights with scientific evidence on the uses of medicinal plants in the treatment of certain diseases. It reviews various therapies with herbal phytoconstituents for certain types of disorders, modes of action, and pharmacological screening. It focuses on potential benefits of herbal extracts and bioactive compounds for human health care, provides a comparative phytoconstituent analysis of selected medicinal plants using GCMS/FTIR techniques, and discusses the role of herbal medicines in female genital infections. It goes on to look at the health-boosting properties of cabbage and the functional properties of milk yam (Ipomoea digitata L.).




Medicinal Plants and Foods


Book Description

Medicinal plants or medicinal herbs have been identified and used since ancient times to improve the sensory characteristics of food. The main compounds found in plants correspond to four major biochemical classes: Polyphenols, terpenes, glycosides and alkaloids. Plants synthesize these compounds for a variety of purposes, including protection of the plant against fungi and bacteria, defense against insects and attraction of pollinators and dispersal agents to favor the dispersion of seeds and pollens.