Book Description

This is the first comprehensive reference compilation on the substance class of glucosinolates. This handbook introduces the reader to the sulfur-containing glucosinolates (S-glucosides), a class of secondary metabolites of almost all plants of the order Capparales, in particular in the family Brassicaceae (e.g. broccoli and other cabbages), derived from glucose and an amino acid. The book illustrates the natural variety of glucosinolate structures, mainly derived from the precursor amino acid. Chapters describe the resulting rich bioactivity of the glucosides, for example as anti-cancer agents, insecticides, nematicides, fungicides, their potential phytotoxic effects, antimicrobial activity and their possible role in neurodegenerative diseases and human health. Different methods for the extraction, characterization, quantification and processing of the glucosinolates are introduced, and potential applications are discussed. The fate of glucosinolates during food processing is also briefly addressed. This handbook is written by leading experts and structured in different sections addressing the natural occurrence of glucosinolates, their (bio-)synthesis, bioactivity, food processing of glucosinolate-containing vegetables, health and disease-related aspects, biotechnology, and methods applied in glucosinolate-research. It is thus a rich reference source for every reader working in the field, from chemists and biotechnologists, to life scientists, pharmacists and medical scientists.