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.

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.

A collection of current knowledge of phytochemicals and health Interest in phenolic phytochemicals has increased as scientific studies indicate these compounds exhibit potential health benefits. With contributions from world leaders in this research area, Plant Phenolics and Human Health: Biochemistry, Nutrition, and Pharmacology offers an essential survey of the current knowledge on the capacity of specific micronutrients present in ordinary diets to fight disease. The coverage in this resource: Explains the presence and biochemical properties of phenolics present in fruits and vegetables, as well as in foods derived from their plant sources Provides biochemical explanations on how certain plant phenolics fight cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases, cancer, and other widespread pathologies Focuses on certain phenolics, e.g., flavonoids, stilbenes, and curcuminoids, and provides insights on the biochemical bases used to define their significance in the diet as well as their recommended consumption requirements and toxicity Appropriate for graduate and upper-level undergraduate courses in human and animal nutrition, basic nutritional biology, physiology, pharmacology, and other health-related disciplines, Plant Phenolics and Human Health: Biochemistry, Nutrition, and Pharmacology serves as both an invaluable supplementary classroom text and a self-teaching guide for professionals interested in defining the association between diet and health from classical, alternative, and complementary biomedical perspectives.

Plant foods are an essential part of our daily diet and constitute one of the highest contributors to the world economy. These foods are rich in phenolic compounds, which play a significant role in maintaining our health. This textbook presents a comprehensive overview of the chemistry, biochemistry and analysis of phenolic compounds present in a variety of foods. The text can be used as a singular source of knowledge for plant food science and technology, covering all of the important chemical, biochemical and analytical aspects needed for a thorough understanding of phenolic antioxidants in foods. Phenolic Antioxidants In Foods: Chemistry, Biochemistry, and Analysis is comprised of three sections. The first section covers the basic concepts of antioxidants, their chemistry and their chemical composition in foods, providing a detailed introduction to the concept. The second section covers the biochemical aspects of phenolic antioxidants, including their biosynthetic pathways, biological effects and the molecular mechanism of antioxidant effects in the biological system. This section promotes an understanding of the fundamental biochemical reactions that take place in foods and after digestion and absorption. The third section covers the analytical chemistry used in the analysis of phenolic antioxidants in foods, including the basic analytical procedures, methods for analysis and chromatographic and spectroscopic analyses. This section is significant for aspiring food chemists and manufacturers to evaluate the nature and chemistry of phenolic antioxidants in foods. Featuring helpful quizzes, section summaries, and key chapter points, this textbook is the perfect learning tool for advanced chemistry undergraduates and post-graduates looking to gain a fundamental understanding of phenolic antioxidants in food products.

Phenolic compounds comprise a broad class of natural products formed mainly by plants, but also microorganisms and marine organisms that have the capacity to form them. Nowadays the interest in these compounds has increased mainly due to their diverse chemical structure and wide biological activity valuable in the prevention of some chronic or degenerative diseases. The functional foods are a rich source of these phytochemicals, and this is the starting point for this book, which shows the state of the art of the phenolic compounds and their biological activity. This book integrates eleven chapters that show the state of the art of diverse biological activity of the phenolic compounds, present in some crops or fruits.

Phenolic compounds are considered secondary metabolites within the physiology of a plant. They have different functions, such as pollination systems, sun protection, protection against pathogens and diseases, etc.Research on these compounds has increased due to the number of molecules they can include and the different biological activities they demonstrate. It is important to know the methods of extracting molecules, the biosynthesis routes, and their relationship with activities that can benefit from their consumption. Therefore, the book includes chapters that provide information on extraction and optimization techniques, biosynthetic pathways, and the identification and characterization of miRNAs involved in the regulation of their biosynthesis.

Structure and reactivity of phenolic compounds. Isolation and identification of phenolic compounds in biological materials. The natural distribution of the phenolic aglycones. Phenolic glycosides and their natural distribution. The genetics of phenolic compounds. Metabolism of phenolics in animals. Metabolism of phenolics in higher plants and micro-organisms. Major pathways of biosynthesis of phenols. Lignin and tannin biosynthesis. Enzymology of phenolic biosynthesis. Physiological studies on phenolic biosynthesis. The physiology and pharmacology of phenolic compounds in animals. Pathological function of phenolic compounds in plants. Relations between the taste and structure of some phenolic glycosides.