This book summarizes information on autofluorescence of plant secretory cells as a phenomenon and the possibilities of the practical use of light emission by cell biologists, biophysists, biochemists, botanists and ecologists.

Fluorescence of Living Plant Cells for Phytomedicine Preparations reveals how valuable medicinal compounds can be identified through the application of vital fluorescence in plant cells. The book explains the roles that fluorescent compounds play in plant physiology and promotes our knowledge of plant secretory cells and phytopreparations. Supported by vivid illustrations, the book reveals how actinic light – light that induces fluorescence in leaves and flowers – can be used in the identification of secretory cells within plant tissue that may be the repository of valuable medicinal compounds. The book demonstrates the potential of fluorescence in pharmacological analysis with detailed methods for applying fluorescence to identify these deposits of natural drugs. As such, this groundbreaking book contains methods of express-pharmaceutical analysis that could open new horizons in pharmacy and the cultivation of medicinal plants. Features Describes various fluorescence microscopy techniques for the localization of compounds contained in plants with pharmaceutical interest Provides an analysis of pharmaceutical material based on autofluorescence and histochemical reactions for numerous medicinal plant species Demonstrates practices for providing optimal growing conditions and improving the quality of the compounds Showing the readiness of plant raw material for pharmaceutical industry, this book will appeal to professionals in the pharmaceutical industry and students and researchers in the fields of phytochemistry, botany and pharmaceutical sciences.

Key features: Presents the latest trends and developments of neuromediators in plants Provides in-depth coverage of plants enriched in neurotransmitters (especially serotonin, melatonin, and dopamine) and how they are used in medicine, pharmacy, and food nutrition Discusses the physiological role of the neurotransmitters (biomediators) in non-nervous systems including the analysis of effects on the growth and development and stress defense Covers the occurrence of the substances that act in human and animal nervous system in plants as a phenomenon of the universal irritability feature for biologists Reveals the occurrence and possible physiological functions of biogenic amines in plants, food, and human health New scientific data confirm the origin of neurotransmitters in the ancient ocean, whose inhabitants use the compounds in their relationships. One example is the algae Ulvaria, whose image is represented on the cover. During evolution, plant and microbial cells stored the neurotransmitters that play multifunctional roles today. Researchers have paid special attention to their functions in plants, the oxygen well of our planet. This book provides powerful tools for both analyzing and manipulating organisms, considering the functions of neurotransmitters in plant cells and the practical application of knowledge about acetylcholine, catecholamines, serotonin, melatonin, histamine, gamma-aminobutyric acid and glutamine for ecology, agriculture, medicine and food industries. Neurotransmitters in Plants: Perspectives and Applications presents information on: the location and biosynthesis where neurotransmitters occur the molecular biology of some enzymes participating in the process their role in vivo and in vitro processes their functions in plant environmental adaptation in plants their role in enriching the food and medicinal value of plants.

Allelopathy is an ecological phenomenon by which plants release organic chemicals (allelochemicals) into the environment influencing the growth and survival of other organisms. In this book, leading scientists in the field synthesize latest developments in allelopathy research with a special emphasis on its application in sustainable agriculture. The following topics are highlighted: Ecological implications, such as the role of allelopathy during the invasion of alien plant species; regional experiences with the application of allelopathy in agricultural systems and pest management; the use of microscopy for modeling allelopathy; allelopathy and abiotic stress tolerance; host allelopathy and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi; allelopathic interaction with plant nutrition; and the molecular mechanisms of allelopathy. This book is an invaluable source of information for scientists, teachers and advanced students in the fields of plant physiology, agriculture, ecology, environmental sciences, and molecular biology.

This book summarizes information on autofluorescence of plant secretory cells as a phenomenon and the possibilities of the practical use of light emission by cell biologists, biophysists, biochemists, botanists and ecologists.

Ozone is a normal constituent of air but this gas becomes dangerous for living organism when its concentration in the troposphere is too high. Most previous studies of this substance examined it merely in its role as an earth screen for the biosphere or an air pollutant. This book will also view its derivatives (active oxygen species) at a molecular and cellular level, as substances that have both positive and negative effects on plant life. Plant cells will be considered as both recipients and sources of ozone, as well as possible biosensors and bioindicators for low and high concentrations of the compound.

This new edition highlights the numerous advances made in the field of microbial endocrinology over the last five years. Prominent among these new topics featured is the emergence of the microbiota-gut-brain axis and the role it plays in brain function. Specific focus is given to the role of microbial endocrinology in the evolutionary symbiosis between man and microbe as it relates to both health and disease. With new chapters on the microbiome and its relation to neurochemicals, this new edition brings this important volume up to date.