The specific topic, “Isoquinolines And Beta-Carbolines As Neurotoxins And Neuroprotectants – New Perspectives In Parkinson`S Disease Therapy,” was chosen in light of accumulating neurobiological evidence indicating that, in addition to exogenous neurotoxins (e.g., 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine [MPTP]), endogenous compounds may play an important role in the most common neurodegenerative disorders (e.g., Parkinson`s disease). Two groups of amine related compounds, which appeared chemically like MPTP, were detected in human brain and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF): ß-carbolines (BCs) and tetrahydroisoquinolines (TIQs). These are heterocyclic compounds formed endogenously from phenylalanine/tyrosine (TIQs) and tryptophan, tryptamine, and 5-hydroxytryptamine (BCs), respectively and exert a wide spectrum of psychopharmacological and behavioral effects. The TIQs and BCs may bind to their own high affinity sites on neuronal membranes associated with or located close to the receptors of neurotransmitters. Research on TIQs and BCs is stimulated also by their possible role in pathological conditions, especially parkinsonism and alcoholism. Recently, clinical interest has been spurred by their role as neuroprotective, and even neurorestorative, anticonvulsant and antiaddictive, substances. In this book we are going to summarize, for the first time, the results from behavioral, neurochemical and molecular experiments, which demonstrate a wide spectrum of TIQs and BCs effects - from their rather mild neurotoxic actions to the important neuroprotective and antiaddictive properties. Additionally, the recent results of experimental studies in vivo have allowed a much better understanding and simultaneous comparison of the neurochemical and molecular mechanisms underlying the neuroprotective and neurotoxic actions of endogenous TIQs and BCs and have pointed to the possibility of their therapeutic applications in neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's disease.

β-Carbolines: A Privileged Scaffold for Modern Drug Discovery provides a summary of methods for the synthesis of various natural products engineered with the diverse β-carboline scaffold and their biological evaluation. β-carboline and its derivatives have generated considerable interest in recent years for their versatile properties in chemistry and pharmacology. This is due to their ability to act as agonists to benzodiazepine receptors, hydroxy serotonin receptors, and intercalate into DNA and to inhibit CDK, topisomerase, and monoamine oxidase enzymes. Their pharmacological properties include anxiolytic, hypnotic, anticonvulsant, antiviral, antiparasitic, and antimicrobial attributes. This book provides a summary of methods for the synthesis of various natural products engineered with the diverse β-carboline scaffold and their biological evaluation. Features: Focuses on the different application and therapies of β-carbolines. Provides a summary of methods for the synthesis of various natural products engineered with the diverse β-carbolines. Discusses methods of biological evaluation of β-carbolines. Explores different chemical transformations occurring with synthesis using β-carbolines. Covers both heterocyclic synthesis and multicomponent synthesis related to β-carboline. This text is key reading for researchers in medicinal chemistry and drug discovery looking to understand the broad potential of β-carbolines.

Coffee is one of the most popular drinks in the world but what are the health advantages or disadvantages from consuming it? This book covers how health is influenced by the consumption of coffee from protective effects and potential contributions of bioactive compounds to health to potential risks involved. Written by an international collection of contributors in the field who concentrate on coffee research, it is edited expertly to ensure quality of content, consistency and organization across the chapters. Aimed at advanced undergraduates, postgraduates and researchers and accompanied by a sister volume covering how production and chemistry influence the quality of coffee, these titles provide an impactful and accessible guide to the current research in the field and information on the health aspects for nutritionists and other health professionals.

This book summarizes recent advances in understanding the mechanism underlying the selective cell death of dopamine neurons in Parkinson's disease. MPTP, endogenous neurotoxins, L-DOPA, and metal were proved to induce apoptosis and necrosis in neurons. The relationship of these causal factors to the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease was discussed to give us overviews on the role of neurotoxins in this degenerative disorder. This title further presents the intracellular signal transduction, and the related enzymes and other factors involved in dopaminergic neuronal death. Recent results on intracellular mechanism of neuroprotection are presented, suggesting that neuroprotection as a causal therapy of neurodegenerative disorders may become practical in near future. This book shows new neuroprotective agents, such as propargylamine derivatives and neurotrophins, and the intracellular mechanism to prevent the activation of apoptotic cascade in neurons. The authors of this book are active researchers participating in these subjects and the readers will find the knowledge and techniques for the study on neurotoxicity and neuroprotection, and the strategy for future research on these important subjects in clinical and basic neurology and neurosciences. The book is dedicated to Professor Toshiharu Nagatsu, a pioneer in the search for pathogenic factors in Parkinson's disease. The book is reprinted from the journal 'Neurotoxicology and Teratology', Volume 24/5.

This book deals with basic and clinical aspects of monoamine oxidase (MAO) subtypes A and B highlighting its importance in neurological and psychiatric diseases. Consequently the therapeutic actions of MAO-A and -B inhibitors in Parkinson’s disease (PK) and depression are the focus of several chapters. As MAO is the basis of the development of the "oxidative stress hypothesis" of PD, several chapters are devoted to iron and iron-induced oxidative stress in various experimental studies and clinical conditions. Based on these findings, new compounds have been developed which not only block MAO, but are in addition, either inhibitors of acetylcholine esterase or have iron chelating properties. The aspect of "preclinical" and "clinical" neuro protection as well as MAO neuroprotection are additional topics covered in this book. MAO, iron and neuroprotection are seen in the framework of general anti Parkinson’s therapy with chapters on levodopa, dopaminergic receptor agonists and clinical issues.

Before the concept of history began, humans undoubtedly acquired life benefits by discovering medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs) that were food and medicine. Today, a variety of available herbs and spices are used and enjoyed throughout the world and continue to promote good health. The international market is also quite welcoming for MAPs and essential oils. The increasing environment and nature conscious buyers encourage producers to produce high quality essential oils. These consumer choices lead to growing preference for organic and herbal based products in the world market. As the benefits of medicinal and aromatic plants are recognized, these plants will have a special role for humans in the future. Until last century, the production of botanicals relies to a large degree on wild-collection. However, the increasing commercial collection, largely unmonitored trade, and habitat loss lead to an incomparably growing pressure on plant populations in the wild. Therefore, medicinal and aromatic plants are of high priority for conservation. Given the above, we bring forth a comprehensive volume, “Medicinal and Aromatic Plants: Healthcare and Industrial Applications”, highlighting the various healthcare, industrial and pharmaceutical applications that are being used on these immensely important MAPs and its future prospects. This collection of chapters from the different areas dealing with MAPs caters to the need of all those who are working or have interest in the above topic.