Biology and Ecology of Pharmaceutical Marine Molluscs is the first comprehensive book of its kind written by scientists from both the Marine Biology and Pharmacy disciplines to fill the long-felt need for a marine natural products book devoted exclusively to molluscs. The taxonomy, common name, global distribution, habitat, diagnostic features and pharmaceutical compounds (along with their activities) of 275 species of marine molluscs are given in this comprehensive work, with accompanying illustrations. Bioactive substances isolated from marine invertebrates such as poriferans, coelenterates, molluscs, echinoderms, bryozoans and tunicates have been reported to possess antiviral, antimicrobial, antiprotozoal, antifungal, antihelmintic and anticancer activities. Among the marine invertebrates, marine molluscs have significant commercial applications; for instance, as a source of food, ornaments and production of lime. A few species of molluscs have also been reported to act as scavengers in cleaning the environment and pollution indicators. Recently, many molluscan species have been identified as a potential source of secondary metabolites, having a wide range of pharmaceutical applications. This should be a standard reference for students, researchers and teachers of disciplines such as Pharmacy, Fisheries Science, Marine Biology, Life Sciences, Biotechnology and Biochemistry, as well as a valuable guide for pharmaceutical companies involved in the development of new drugs from marine molluscs.

The ocean is a source of unique natural products, mainly accumulated in living organisms. The c.4000 species of tunicates or sea squirts (Phylum, Chordata; Subphylum, Urochordata) are a high-potential yet under-studied source of bioactive compounds for pharmaceuticals. The secondary metabolites such as alkaloids isolated from these organisms have led to the discovery of an approved anti-tumor drug, anti-cancer drugs Yondelis® and Aplidin®, as well as many others in clinical trial. There is an urgent need for more research on the bioactive compounds of marine tunicates and better knowledge about the identification and biology of these species. This is the first focused book to meet this need. The taxonomy, common name, global distribution, habitat, diagnostic features and pharmaceutical compounds (along with their activities) of 165 key species of tunicates are given, with high-quality illustrations. Contributed by scientists of both Marine Biology and Pharmacy disciplines, this book will serve as a standard reference for researchers, teachers and students of Fisheries Science, Marine Biology, Life Sciences, Biotechnology, Natural Products, and Pharmacy, and as a valuable guide for pharmaceutical companies involved in the development of new drugs from marine organisms.

Key features: Serves as a standard reference for researchers, teachers and students of various disciplines such as Fisheries Science, Marine Biology, Life Sciences, Biotechnology, Natural Products, and Pharmacy, their libraries, and as a valuable guide for pharmaceutical companies involved in the development of new drugs from marine sponges Presents the taxonomy, common name, global distribution, and habitat of 250 species of marine sponges Provides the diagnostic features and pharmaceutical compounds (along with their chemical structure and activities) of 450 species of marine sponges Includes more than 500 detailed illustrations Biology and Ecology of Pharmaceutical Marine Spongesis the first comprehensive book of its kind written by scientists from both the Marine Biology and Pharmacy disciplines to fill the long-felt need for a marine natural products book devoted exclusively to sponges. Sponges are the most primitive multicelled animals that have existed for 700 - 800 million years. Despite their wide range of functional roles, not much is known about them. Marine sponges are responsible for more than 5,300 pharmaceutical products and some species have the potential to provide future drugs to prevent and treat important medical conditions such as cancer, a range of viral diseases, malaria, and inflammatory diseases. Nucleosides derived from sponges were the basis for the synthesis of Ara-C, the first marine-derived anticancer agent, currently used in the routine treatment of patients with leukemia and lymphoma. Marine sponges are the potential sources of many unique metabolites with anticancer,anti-inflammatory, antibiotic, antiviral, antimalarial, and immune or neurosuppressive properties. Although many bioactives have been discovered in marine sponges, only a few of these compounds have been commercialized. This book hopes to change that, providing the taxonomy, common name, global distribution, habitat, diagnostic features and pharmaceutical compounds (along with their chemical structure and activities) of 450 species of marine sponges, accompanied by high-quality illustrations. The book should be a standard reference for students, researchers and teachers of disciplines such as Fisheries Science, Marine Biology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology and Pharmacy and a valuable guide for pharmaceutical companies involved in the development of new drugs from marine sponges.

This comprehensive book on the biology and ecology of edible marine bivalve molluscs covers the biology of edible marine bivalves; profiles about 18o species, providing information on their habitat, distribution, morphology, food and feeding, reproduction, conservation status, etc.; discusses their nutritional values; examines their pharmaceutic

This comprehensive volume focuses exclusively on sea snails (or gastropods), which are popular food items and occupy an important role in the commercial shell craft industry. Familiar examples include conchs (highly sought after due to their mild flavor) and escargot, abalone, and periwinkle snails. This book covers the profile (habitat, distribution, morphology, food and feeding, reproduction, conservation status, etc.) of about 180 species of commercial edible marine gastropod molluscs as well as their nutritional values, commercial importance, and pharmaceutical value. Also included is information on their prevalent diseases and parasites. The informative descriptions are presented in an easy-to-read style with neat illustrations.

Key features: Serves as a standard reference for researchers, teachers and students of various disciplines such as Fisheries Science, Marine Biology, Life Sciences, Biotechnology, Natural Products, and Pharmacy, their libraries, and as a valuable guide for pharmaceutical companies involved in the development of new drugs from marine sponges Presents the taxonomy, common name, global distribution, and habitat of 250 species of marine sponges Provides the diagnostic features and pharmaceutical compounds (along with their chemical structure and activities) of 450 species of marine sponges Includes more than 500 detailed illustrations Biology and Ecology of Pharmaceutical Marine Spongesis the first comprehensive book of its kind written by scientists from both the Marine Biology and Pharmacy disciplines to fill the long-felt need for a marine natural products book devoted exclusively to sponges. Sponges are the most primitive multicelled animals that have existed for 700 - 800 million years. Despite their wide range of functional roles, not much is known about them. Marine sponges are responsible for more than 5,300 pharmaceutical products and some species have the potential to provide future drugs to prevent and treat important medical conditions such as cancer, a range of viral diseases, malaria, and inflammatory diseases. Nucleosides derived from sponges were the basis for the synthesis of Ara-C, the first marine-derived anticancer agent, currently used in the routine treatment of patients with leukemia and lymphoma. Marine sponges are the potential sources of many unique metabolites with anticancer,anti-inflammatory, antibiotic, antiviral, antimalarial, and immune or neurosuppressive properties. Although many bioactives have been discovered in marine sponges, only a few of these compounds have been commercialized. This book hopes to change that, providing the taxonomy, common name, global distribution, habitat, diagnostic features and pharmaceutical compounds (along with their chemical structure and activities) of 450 species of marine sponges, accompanied by high-quality illustrations. The book should be a standard reference for students, researchers and teachers of disciplines such as Fisheries Science, Marine Biology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology and Pharmacy and a valuable guide for pharmaceutical companies involved in the development of new drugs from marine sponges.