Phytochemistry is the branch of science that deals with the study of plant-derived chemicals or compounds, which are also known as phytochemicals or plant-derived secondary metabolites. Plants are known to produce phytochemicals that are essential for their growth and reproduction, as they protect them from insects, pathogens, and herbivores. Some of the major groups of plant-derived secondary metabolites are phenolics, flavonoids, terpenoids, alkaloids, tannin etc. Plant-derived phytochemicals are pharmacologically active and have the potential to cure various human diseases and disorders. Natural plant products have been known for their medicinal properties for untold years, and form the basis of several medicinal systems such as Chinese, Unani, and Ayurvedic Medicine. This book offers an essential introduction to phytochemicals and their synthetic analogues. It discusses various in silico approaches used to identify pharmacologically active phytochemicals and their biological activities, as well as in vitro and in vivo models/assays that have been utilized for the pharmacological profiling of plant-derived products to combat cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and neurological disorders. The intended audience includes upper-level undergraduate and graduate students; researchers and scientists from the pharmaceutical/food chemistry/nutrition sciences/biochemistry, and clinical biochemistry fields; and medical students. Sharing the latest findings, the book will familiarize these readers with the concepts, chemistry, and tremendous potential of phytochemistry.

This book highlights the concordance between signaling pathways that are involved in obesity and cancer cross-talks. It describes the role of cytokines, chemokines, growth factors, insulin, and adipokines in the development of obesity-associated cancers. The book reviews the role of inflammatory signaling pathways such as estrogen-mediated signaling, mTOR and AMP-activated protein kinase pathway and the involvement of adaptive and innate immunity, oxidative stress, gene polymorphism, dietary phytochemicals, and miRNAs in obesity and cancer. In addition, it covers the latest research on the drugs and natural therapeutic agents that target obesity-induced cancers and discusses various in vivo models for studying obesity and obesity-associated cancer. Lastly, it analyses the role of genetic polymorphisms in the obesity-related genes that influence cancer development. The book is a useful resource for researchers in the field of cancer, pharmacology, food chemistry, and clinical biochemistry.

Phytochemistry, Computational Tools and Databases in Drug Discovery presents the state-of-the-art in computational methods and techniques for drug discovery studies from medicinal plants. Various tools and databases for virtual screening and characterization of plant bioactive compounds and their subsequent predictions on biological targets for the discovery of new drugs against specific diseases are presented, along with computational tools for the prediction of the toxic effects of phytochemicals on living systems. The book also provides in-depth insight on the applications of these computational tools as well as the databases that describe the interactions of phytochemicals with diseases along with predictions for druggable bioactive compounds. Useful for drug developers, medicinal chemists, toxicologists, phytochemists, plant biochemists and analytical chemists, this book clearly presents the various computational techniques, tools and databases for phytochemical research. - Provides the various databases, methods and procedures for computational drug discovery in plants - Includes insights into the predictors for properties of phytochemicals against different diseases - Discusses the applications of computational tools and their databases

PHYTOCHEMICAL DRUG DISCOVERY FOR CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM DISORDERS Understand herbal and plant-based treatments for chronic disorders with this groundbreaking work Due in part to the aging of the global population, disorders of the central nervous system have become an increasingly grave public health concern in recent years. Demand for pharmaceutical treatments has been correspondingly high, but there are many barriers to the successful development of effective synthetic drugs. Phytomedicines, or plant-based and herbal medicines, have proven to be an effective alternative, boasting lower toxicity and cost and higher efficacy, and one that demands greater research and broader-based practitioner knowledge. Phytochemical Drug Discovery for Central Nervous System Disorders meets this demand with a timely, clearly-structured guide. It thorough coverage presents a wide range of phytochemicals with potential as candidates for drug discovery, describing their sources, properties, and therapeutic efficacy. The result is a vital contribution to the ongoing fight against central nervous system (CNS) disorders. Phytochemical Drug Discovery for Central Nervous System Disorders readers will also find: Detailed treatment of CNS-active plant products, neuroprotective chemicals, plant-based nutraceutical products, and more Up-to-date information on FDA-approved drugs and existing plant-based products used to treat CNS disorders An authorial team featuring experts from across the globe Phytochemical Drug Discovery for Central Nervous System Disorders is essential for drug discovery scientists, drug developers, medicinal chemists, biochemists, and any researchers and professionals in the health care or pharmaceutical industries.

Computational Phytochemistry, Second Edition, explores how recent advances in computational techniques and methods have been embraced by phytochemical researchers to enhance many of their operations, refocusing and expanding the possibilities of phytochemical studies. By applying computational aids and mathematical models to extraction, isolation, structure determination, and bioactivity testing, researchers can obtain highly detailed information about phytochemicals and optimize working approaches. This book aims to support and encourage researchers currently working with or looking to incorporate computational methods into their phytochemical work. Topics in this book include computational methods for predicting medicinal properties, optimizing extraction, isolating plant secondary metabolites, and building dereplicated phytochemical libraries. The roles of high-throughput screening, spectral data for structural prediction, plant metabolomics, and biosynthesis are all reviewed before the application of computational aids for assessing bioactivities and virtual screening is discussed. Illustrated with detailed figures and supported by practical examples, this book is an indispensable guide for all those involved with the identification, extraction, and application of active agents from natural products. This new edition captures remarkable advancements in mathematical modeling and computational methods that have been incorporated in phytochemical research, addressing, e.g., extraction, isolation, structure determination, and bioactivity testing of phytochemicals. - Includes step-by-step protocols for various computational and mathematical approaches applied to phytochemical research - Features clearly illustrated chapters contributed by highly reputable researchers - Covers all key areas in phytochemical research, including virtual screening and metabolomics

Functional foods and nutraceuticals are food products that naturally offer or have been modified to offer additional health benefits beyond basic nutrition. As such products have surged in popularity in recent years, it is crucial that researchers and manufacturers understand the concepts underpinning functional foods and the opportunity they represent to improve human health, reduce healthcare costs, and support economic development worldwide. Functional Foods and Nutraceuticals: Bioactive Components, Formulations and Innovations presents a guide to functional foods from experienced professionals in key institutions around the world. The text provides background information on the health benefits, bioavailability, and safety measurements of functional foods and nutraceuticals. Subsequent chapters detail the bioactive components in functional foods responsible for these health benefits, as well as the different formulations of these products and recent innovations spurred by consumer demands. Authors emphasize product development for increased marketability, taking into account safety issues associated with functional food adulteration and solutions to be found in GMP adherence. Various food preservation methods aimed at enhancing the quality and shelf life of functional food are also highlighted. Functional Foods and Nutraceuticals: Bioactive Components, Formulations and Innovations is the first of its kind, designed to be useful to students, teachers, nutritionists, food scientists, food technologists and public health regulators alike.