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Ageing is the main reason for most neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Parkinson's disease (PD). About 10% of individuals aged ≥65 years develop AD, which continuously increases with growing age. Medicinal plants have been used for age-related neurodegenerative disorders for a long time. These plants are rich in terms of various phytochemical constituents such as flavonoids, sterols, alkaloids, saponins, and terpenoids. Different scientific studies have been carried out on these medicinal herbs, e.g., anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and neuro-regenerative activities that may be used in the treatment of AD and other age-related diseases. These medicinal plants, e.g., Curcuma longa, Bacopa monniera, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Commiphora whighitti, and Acorus calamus L., have anti-inflammatory properties that may decrease swelling of the brain tissue in AD.Despite this, there is currently no book available in the market that provides full information on the phytochemical and medicinal uses of the medicinal plants exclusively used for the management of neurodegenerative diseases in the elderly. This book aims to provide some important and evidence-based information on the plants used for neurodegenerative diseases in the elderly, especially AD and PD, in a planned manner so the academicians, researchers, and students working in the fields of medicinal plants, plant science, chemistry, biotechnology, pharmacognosy, pharmaceuticals, biochemistry, and many other interdisciplinary subjects may benefit. This book will also be useful in identifying a few medicinal plants and their prospects for the synthesis or preparation of new drugs for neurodegenerative diseases.Features: An overview of the medicinal plants that can be helpful for neurodegenerative disorders Recent research results and some pointers for the management of neurodegenerative diseases This book serve as comprehensive information about the description, phytochemistry, actions, and medicinal use of plants that are used in neurodegenerative diseases. In addition, this book will also ease the understanding and interaction of medicinal plants used in neurodegenerative diseases.

This book serves as an excellent comprehensive material covering the current understandings and updates on antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and the use of medicinal plant resources for tackling it. Chapters cover important aspects of AMR and strategies to address this threatening issue with medicinal plants and their resources. One health perspectives for addressing AMR have been presented for the readers. Antimicrobial medicinal plant therapeutic resources including crude extracts, active fractions, pure molecules and essential oils, besides using them as functionalizing agents for nano-antimicrobials have been covered. Further, plant endophytes as a source of antimicrobial compounds have been discussed. Chapters cover both the bactericidal as well as resistance-reversal (or potentiating/ combinatorial therapies) potencies of medicinal plant resources. The book also focuses on how medicinal plant resources effectively target major determinants of AMR. Use of metabolomics in understanding and targeting AMR mechanisms and identifying potent phyto-therapeutics has been discussed as well. The book is a valuable read for both experienced and younger researchers working in the field of AMR and related fields in biomedicine, pharmacy, and clinical research.

Emergence of lifestyle diseases, e.g., type II diabetes, cancers, obesity, cardiovascular disorders, liver cirrhosis, etc., are exponentially increasing day by day. Modern drifts toward the utilization of herbal medicines in different healthcare aspects necessitate (demand) the replacement of synthetic molecules with phytoconstituents because of their biocompatibility, biodegradability, economic extraction process, and ready availability from the natural source. This book provides a thorough insight into the comprehensive and up-to-date trends of phytomedicines in the management of lifestyle diseases and its mechanisms, modern methods of extraction and purification of phytoconstituents, and chemical characterization as well as standardization of phytoconstituents using modern equipments.

African Plant-Based Products as a Source of Potent Drugs to Overcome Cancers and their Chemoresistance: Part Two: Potent Botanicals to Overcome Cancers and their Chemoresistance offers detailed information on the best African medicinal plants that could be useful for the development of efficient herbal drugs, as well as the best phytochemicals that could be explored as potential pharmaceuticals to efficiently overcome cancers and their drug resistance. The book identifies and comments on the best cytotoxic African medicinal plants. The book also provides knowledge on ethnomedicinal uses of the identified plants, their pharmacological potency, and their phytochemistry.An overview of the relationship between cancer and other human diseases healed in the traditional health system with the plants documented is also highlighted. The book appears a unique tool for Scientists to have state-of-the-art of the best cytotoxic plants from the African flora. - Provides a unique tool compiling the best of African plants with amazing potential toward various cancer cell lines, including the multidrug-resistant phenotypes - Discusses in highlights the geographic distribution of the best cytotoxic African plants - Compiles the ethnomedicinal, pharmacological, and phytochemistry information of the best antiproliferative African plants

The ecological sciences are a diverse array of major scientific disciplines. They grew from minor sciences, with little status in 1900, and now occupy crucial areas of research bearing on the future of our planet. This book describes a century of growth and development. A dramatic century-long rise in the status of ecological knowledge was accompanied by the rise of professional ecological organizations, the establishment of university faculties, and the creation of government agencies advising on conservation, natural resources, and the prevention of pollution. Like all sciences, ecology continues to yield new findings and surprising revelations. New technologies now address existential challenges facing our world. This book, documenting the rise of ecology, is an inspiring history portending an important role in the twenty-first century.Key Features: The author is the acknowledged authority on the history of ecology The content is familiar to members of the Ecological Society of America but has not previously been assembled into a single narrative Appropriate for a course in the history of ecology Provides a broad perspective on ecology Related Titles:Egerton, F. N. A Centennial History of the Ecological Society of America (ISBN 978-0-3673-7763-2).Rieppel, O. Phylogenetic Systematics: Haeckel to Hennig (ISBN 978-0-3678-7645-6)Dronamraju, K. A Century of Geneticists: Mutation to Medicine (ISBN 978-1-4987-4866-7)

This book provides a comprehensive introduction and review of state-of-the-art biotechnological tools in enhancement of bioactive compounds in medicinal and aromatic plants. Plant bioactive compounds are plant-based natural products that display a variety of pharmacological applications. These bioactive compounds are important as medicines, pigments, flavorings and drugs because most of the pharmaceutical industries are highly dependent on medicinal plants and their extraction. The book introduces a systematic overview of state-of-the-art biotechnological techniques such as Omics, Crisper /Cas9 and RNAi to enhance the plant bioactive contents as well as enlists various in vitro techniques, hairy root culture and transgenic technology to enhance plant bioactive contents using plant tissue culture approaches. The book also provides an overview of the role of induced mutation, biotic and abiotic stress to increase the bioactive contents in plants and discusses the significant role of endophytes to enhance the contents of plant bioactive compound. The book also opens discussions related to standard operating procedures using hydroponics system of cultivation for significant enhancement of bioactive compound(s) and much more. This book serves as an excellent reference book for the researchers working in the field of plant secondary metabolites and pharmaceutical industries at global level.

In this book we present recent studies that have been carried out on some widely used medicinal plants. The need for new and alternative treatments stem from the lack of efficiency of existing remedies for certain illnesses. We have compiled information that may be useful to researchers in their quest to develop new drugs.

Sustainable Uses and Prospects of Medicinal Plants presents information on less known and underexplored medicinal plant species in various regions of the world. The book investigates current advances in medicinal plant science and includes detailed information on the use of green nanotechnology, characterization of plants, conservation, revitalization, propagation, and pharmacological activities of selected plants. A volume in the Exploring Medicinal Plants series, it collects information on less known medicinal plant species in various regions of the world for documentation profiling their ethnobotany, developments in their phytochemistry, and pharmacological activities and provides an in-depth look at some specific herbal medicines of importance, threatened and less known species and addresses sustainable utilization and conservation of medicinal plants to ensure existence and use.Appropriate for plant and biodiversity conservation organisations, community leaders, academicians, researchers, and pharmaceutical industry personnel, the book comprises innovative works with information of what is expected to address sustainability in the future.

Since ancient times, plants serve as a valuable source of traditional herbal medicines. Unlike modern medicines, herbal medicines have consistently demonstrated health advantages, including a lack of serious adverse side effects, long-lasting curative impacts and overall cost-effectiveness. Even today, with various modern pharmaceutical medicines commonly available, plant-based medicines and aromatics are increasingly in demand throughout the health sector globally, where they are used not only for the treatment of disease, but also, preventatively for maintaining good health. People are seeking alternatives to modern medical treatments turning to phytomedicine for primary health care. However, an inadvertent consequence of this increased demand for herbal medicines has resulted in medicinal plants being threatened due to their initial small population sizes, narrow distribution areas, habitat specificity, and increasingly destructive non-sustainable harvesting. This book critically examines and reviews the status of medicinal plants and includes several important case studies of representative plant species. It contains information on aspects concerning phytochemistry, natural products, cultivation, conservation techniques, environmental interactions, and therapeutic features of medicinal aromatic plants.Features Evaluates plants as medicine and aromatics covering pharmacognosy and ecology of plants having therapeutic values. Discusses how plants can play a role in treatment of diseases and as potential therapeutics standards for maintaining good health. Presents conventional and contemporary approaches to conservation of such plants with commercial feasibility.

Biotechnology and Crop ImprovementThe green revolution led to the development of improved varieties of crops, especially cereals, and since then, classical or molecular breeding has resulted in the creation of economically valuable species. Thanks to recent developments in biotechnology, it has become possible to introduce genes from different sources, such as bacteria, fungi, viruses, mice and humans, to plants. This technology has made the scientific community aware of the critical role of transgenic, not only as a means of producing stress tolerant crops but also as a platform for the production of therapeutics through molecular farming. Biotechnology and Crop Improvement: Tissue Culture and Transgenic Approaches focuses on important field crops to highlight germplasm enhancement for developing resistance to newly emerging diseases, pests, nutrient- and water-use efficiency, root traits and improved tolerance to increasing temperature and introduces significant recent achievements in crop improvement using methods such as micropropagation, somaclonal variation, somatic embryogenesis, anther/pollen/embryo culture, and compressing the breeding cycle for accelerated breeding and early release of crop varieties. Plant biotechnology has now become an integral part of tissue culture research. The tremendous impact generated by genetic engineering and consequently of transgenic now allows us to manipulate plant genomes at will. There has indeed been a rapid development in this area with major successes in both developed and developing countries. Development of transgenic crop plants, their utilization for improved agriculture, health, ecology and environment and their socio-political impacts are currently important fields in education, research, and industry and also of interest to policy makers, social activists and regulatory and funding agencies. This work prepared with a class-room approach on this multidisciplinary subject will fill an existing gap and meet the requirements of such a broad section of readers. It describes the recent biotechnological advancement and developments in plant tissue culture and transgenic. Plant tissue culture techniques such as such as micropropagation, regeneration, somaclonal variation, somatic embryogenesis, anther/pollen/embryo culture are discussed for genetic improvement of crop plant. Transgenic techniques are discussed for developing resistance to newly emerging diseases, pests, nutrient- and water-use efficiency, root traits, and improved tolerance to increasing temperature.Key Features Shows the importance of plant tissue culture and transgenic technology on plant biology research and its application to agricultural production Provides insight into what may lie ahead in this rapidly expanding area of plant research and development Contains contributions from major leaders in the field of plant tissue culture and transgenic technology This book is devoted to topics with references at both graduate and postgraduate levels. The book traces the roots of plant biotechnology from the basic sciences to current applications in the biological and agricultural sciences, industry, and medicine. The processes and methods used to genetically engineer plants for agricultural, environmental, and industrial purposes along with bioethical and biosafety issues of the technology are vividly described in the book.

This new 2-volume set offers a comprehensive review of more than 80 medicinal plant species, providing information on the bioactives and pharmacology of these beneficial plants. It describes the structures of the secondary metabolites found in these plants, the functions of these compounds in human and plant biology, and the biosynthesis of these compounds.Each chapter begins with a brief introduction about the species. The chapters then delve into the bioactive phytochemicals from the plant along with its chemical structure. The published literature on pharmacological activities on that species is comprehensively reviewed. A wide array of the biological activities and potential health benefits of the medicinal plant (which include antiviral, antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, and antidiabetic properties as well as protective effects on liver, kidney, heart and nervous system) are given.Phytochemical Composition and Pharmacy of Medicinal Plants aims to be valuable source book for scientists, researchers, industry professionals, faculty and students for the development of new and effective drugs from medicinal plants.

The current anti-cancer synthetic medicines are deemed inefficient and unsafe, state the editors of this new book. Plant-based lead molecules, however, such as taxol, camptothecin, podophyllotoxins, vinblastine, vincristine, homoharringtonine, and numerous other anticancer compounds from nature's arsenal, are potentially safe and can be powerful alternatives that effectively fight against cancer.The volume looks at a variety of medicinal plants and approaches that have shown beneficial results against cancer. Topics in the book include Unani approaches of anticancer plants, genetic engineering and CRISPR/CAS-mediated editing to enhance a plant's anticancer potential, computational approaches used in anticancer plants, and more. The volume also examines the metabolomics of plants that give them anti-cancer properties.

Several plant bioactives or plant-derived therapeutic molecules have been used against life-threatening diseases and their nanoparticle-mediated delivery greatly improves therapeutic efficacy. Advances in Phytonanotechnology for Treatment of Various Diseases aims to describe past and recent advances achieved in the field of phytonanotechnology. The chapters of this book provide thorough knowledge of medicinal plants, plant bioactives, plant extract-based nanoparticle synthesis, delivery of plant bioactives through nanoparticles, and their therapeutic activity against life-threatening diseases. This book focuses on the therapeutic activity of phytocomponents present in plants from diverse families, genera, and species. The book also covers future aspects and challenges present in phytonanotechnology for curing human diseases. This book fulfils the thrust of researchers working in this field, which further encourages them to make new discoveries in this area and support the development of effective nanoparticle-mediated plant bioactive delivery platforms for treating human diseases.Key Features Provides information on medicinal plants and plant bioactives used in the treatment of various life-threatening diseases Covers green synthesis of nanoparticles as well as their toxicological and biological effects Explores various nanocarriers routinely used in the delivery of plant bioactives and their efficacy for future drug delivery Envisages future opportunities, challenges, and implementation made in phytonanotechnology-based treatment of human diseases

Medicinal and aromatic plants are beneficial to human health. Plant-derived molecules possess biological activities that can be used to prevent many infectious diseases and metabolic disorders. Ethnobotany and Ethnopharmacology of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants summarizes techniques and methods used to study the biological activities of plant-derived extracts and compounds to study ethnobotanical and ethnopharmacological features of medicinal and aromatic plants.This book: Includes computational approaches to study the pharmacological properties of biomolecules in medicinal and aromatic plants. Details methods in ethnopharmacology including chromatographical and analytical techniques. Demonstrates trends in sustainable use and management of medicinal and aromatic plants. Features information on databases and tools used in computational phytochemistry for drug designing and discovery. Elucidates the importance of phytochemicals as immunomodulators in herbal drug development including their nanoformulations. A volume in the Exploring Medicinal Plants series, Ethnobotany and Ethnopharmacology of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants will be of interest to those working with plant extracts, including botanists and ethnobotanists, pharmacologists and ethnopharmacologists, as well as scientists and researchers interested in natural compounds and their potential applications.

Herbal Medicines: A Boon for Healthy Human Life provides a comprehensive overview of the role of herbal medicines for treating a broad variety of human diseases, from neurological disorders to cancer and major disorders such as infectious diseases, metabolic disorders, and more. Each chapter summarizes the current state and future direction of the use of herbal medicines against multiple diseases from a translational point-of-view, making this reference a valuable source of information for a large audience, including researchers and healthcare providers interested in the field of herbal remedies. - Discusses essential evidence-based information about herbal medicines - Provides an update to new discoveries and recent advances on the use of herbal medicines to treat multiple human diseases - Includes information on clinical studies and covers all major medicinal compounds, including alkaloids, glycosides, polyphenols and terpenes

Environmental sustainability with rapid industrialization is one of the current major global challenges. Industries are the key drivers of the world economy. But they are also the major polluters of the environment due to the discharge of partially treated/untreated toxic and hazardous wastes containing organic and inorganic pollutants, which cause severe environmental (soil and water) pollution and toxic effects in living beings. So the adequate treatment of industrial wastes to degrade/detoxify pollutants is of the utmost importance for environmental safety and for promoting the sustainable development of our society with low environmental impacts. Bioremediation: Green Approaches for a Clean and Sustainable Environment showcases the latest information on the different bioremediation approaches used for the many types of industrial pollutants and are dedicated to environmental safety. This book provides a detailed knowledge about the natural as well as anthropogenic sources of different types of toxic pollutants, such as toxic metals, dyes, pesticides, petroleum hydrocarbons and plastics; their fate and transport into the environment; their ecotoxicological effects and health hazards; and different approaches used for their bioremediation for the environmental clean-up. Key Features: Covers the different aspects of environmental problems and their remedies with up-to-date developments in the field of bioremediation of industrial/environmental pollutants Serves as an invaluable source of knowledge for a wide range of students, scientists, and researchers in microbiology, biotechnology, environmental sciences with the fundamental and advanced knowledge about the environmental pollution, challenges, and bioremediation of toxic pollutants

Environmental Pollution and Medicinal Plants presents information on the impact of environmental pollution on the performance of medicinal plants at various levels including damage detection, adaptation, tolerance, and physiological and molecular responses.This title draws attention not only to seeking new bioactive compounds for herbal drug preparation, but also on ensuring high standards of quality through evaluation of the chemical purity of medicinal plants growing under polluted conditions. It discusses the latest trends and responses of medicinal plants, indicating their tolerance and adaptation to environmental pollution. This book also focuses on secondary metabolites, phytochemicals, and bioactive compounds associated with medicinal plants growing in contaminated conditions.This book will be indispensable for students and professionals working in the field of environmental pollution, medicinal plants, and herbal medicine, as well as for plant biologists, economic botanists, molecular biologists, and biotechnologists.. KEY FEATURES Explains the global trend of environmental pollution and its impact on medicinal herbs with the help of clear text and attractive illustrations. Provides a comprehensive overview of medicinal plants and their interaction with environmental pollution in terms of damage detection, repair, acclimation, tolerance, adaptation, and physiological responses. Discusses the production of secondary metabolites, phytochemicals, and bioactive compounds (used for herbal drug preparation) in medicinal plants growing in the vicinity of contamination and pollution load. Highlights opportunities and future challenges in'omics'studies on medicinal plants.

The book focuses on interesting topics in plant biotechnology and its applications. The first section covers a number of specific medicinal plants and their secondary metabolites using genetic and metabolic engineering. The pharmaceutical uses of these plant bioactive compounds and their applications in treating a variety of diseases including cancer, as well as recent works on in silico and bioinformatic analysis are described. The second section deals with innovative plant molecular pharming approaches and reviews the potential for using various plant host systems to design and produce effective new drugs to treat different illnesses and diseases such as HIV, infectious diseases, and other human and livestock diseases.

The Himalayan Region is a mega hot spot for biological diversity. It supports over 1,748 plants species of known medicinal value. This title focuses on origin and distribution of Himalayan herbs, their medicinal potential, industrial significance, and research advancements pertaining to molecular breeding and omics-based approaches. - Discusses evolved secondary biochemical pathways often in response to specific environmental stimuli - Reviews conservation efforts - Presents an in-depth analysis of 12 key species

This book includes multi-national research studies (social and natural science research, as well as more directly practical university-based knowledge) about cultural heritage, land, and societal development in varied countries. The book is particularly about land use (as a fundamental aspect of the environment) and its role in development (especially sustainable development). Many of the studies are about topics concerning the transition from more rural to more urbanized land areas. However, some studies concern other types of changes. This includes general attention to globalization and nation-state dimensions of change. Nonetheless, there are interpretations communicated of unique histories at differing scales in the researches here. There is often a focus on more uniquely local and regional territories (including attention to smaller-scale land use) and an interest in future possibilities that conserve positive features of past terrain.

This book offers a broad summary of the wild plants and their usage, as well as the growing interest in ethnopharmacology research. The book comprises of important issues such as diversity of wild plants with emphasis on medicinal and food plants, threats to wild plants and traditional ethnobotanical knowledge, their uses in skin diseases, snake-bites, in cosmeceuticals, etc. Moreover, the ethnopharmacological relevance of wild plants in Latin America has been discussed. The chapters include a wide range of case studies, giving updated evidence on the importance of their wild plant resources from different countries including Peru, Nepal, Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Brazil. In addition, some specific species are used to explain their potential properties, as well as the dangers of their use without guidance of trained natural healers. The book discusses traditional usage and properties of wild plants and is entirely different from other related publications and useful for the researchers working in the areas of conservation biology, botany, ethnobiology, ethnopharmacology, policymakers, etc.

Aquatic Plants: Pharmaceutical and Cosmetic Applications provides a concise description of popular aquatic plants found across the globe. The chapters in this beautifully illustrated, full-color book focus on the aquatic species native to specific continents. Written by a global team of experts, this book explains the distribution, ethnobotanical uses, genome sequencing, chemical compounds, and biological activity of these plants and addresses the cultivation and sustainable production of aquatic and wetland plants. Features: Describes the biological activity of a large collection of aquatic plants. Color photographs highlight each plant's ethnobotanical characteristics, and structural formulae show their chemical constituents. Contributions come from leading scientists from countries including the United States, India, Mauritius, South Africa, and Cyprus. Aquatic Plants: Pharmaceutical and Cosmetic Applications is a valuable resource for academics conducting research on aquatic plants and for professionals in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries who are involved with the therapeutic applications of these plants and their sustainable usage.

Biodiversity and Biomedicine: Our Future provides a new outlook on Earth's animal, plant, and fungi species as vital sources for human health treatments. While there are over 10 million various species on the planet, only 2 million have been discovered and named. This book identifies modern ways to incorporate Earth's species into biomedical practices and emphasizes the need for biodiversity conservation. Written by leading biodiversity and biomedical experts, the book begins with new insights on the benefits of biologically active compounds found in fungi and plants, including a chapter on the use of wild fruits as a treatment option. The book goes on to discuss the roles of animals, such as amphibians and reptiles, and how the threatened presence of these species must be reversed to conserve biodiversity. It also discusses marine organisms, including plants, animals, and microbes, as essential in contributing to human health. Biodiversity and Biomedicine: Our Future is a vital source for researchers and practitioners specializing in biodiversity and conservation studies. Students in natural medicine and biological conservation will also find this useful to learn of the world's most bio-rich communities and the molecular diversity of various species. - Presents new developments in documenting and identifying species for biodiversity conservation and ethical considerations for biodiversity research - Examines biodiversity as an irreplaceable resource for biomedical breakthroughs using available species for medical research - Discusses challenges and opportunities for biodiversity protection and research in biosphere reserves

Microbial Mitigation of Stress Responses of Food Legumes provides knowledge on the impact of abiotic and biotic stress on the agriculture of grain legumes especially pulses and it critically reviews the cutting-edge research in exploring plant microbe interactions to mitigate the stress. It helps in understanding the fundamentals of microbial-mediated management of abiotic and biotic stress in grain legumes.Salient features: Describes the usefulness of microbiome of plant/insects for enhancing the production of grain legumes Focuses on recent advances in microbial methods for mitigating the stress and their application in sustainability of legume production Provides a unique collection of microbial data for the improvement of legume productivity Details microbial metabolites at the gene and molecule levels for plant stress managementThe reader will get all essential and updated information on various stress factors, crop responses, and microbial-mediated stress management for better food legume production.

The Theory of Endobiogeny Volume 2: Foundational Concepts for Treatments of Common Clinical Conditions addresses the core elements of the adaptation response to stressors: autonomic nervous system (ANS), corticotropic axis, immunity and digestive tract function. The volume is oriented for clinical practice, offering clear discussions on treating the root cause of numerous common disorders, and symptomatically addressing the destabilizing factor in a vast number of disorders ranging from depression to irritable bowel, and from migraines to insomnia called spasmophilia. - Extends the concepts of global systems integrative physiology to practical applications in the clinic - Detailed explanations of historical, exam and biological modeling indexes related to the ANS, corticotropic axis, hepatobiliary and exocrine pancreatic function - Root cause, mechanisms, symptoms and treatments for disorders of immunity, dysbiosis, infectious diseases and spasmophilia, as well as hepatobiliary and pancreatic insufficiency and congestion - Materia medica of 22 key medicinal plants with summary of action and indication of usage according to the theory of Endobigoeny - Special monodiets and dietary suggestions for disorder discussed

Ethnobotany: Local Knowledge and Traditions discusses various plants that have actually been used in traditional medicine for a specific ailment. It desribes the biological effectiveness (activities) related to each'sickness'which have been scientifically verified. This book will also discuss the bioactivities established/determined that are promising and have potential. Finally, this book will be an appropriate consultation tool for scientists/professionals/experts such as ethnobotanists, botanists, cell/molecular biologists, chemists, pharmacists, pharmacologists, environmentalists/ecologists.

There is an essential connection between humans and plants, cultures and environments, and this is especially evident looking at the long history of the African continent. This book, comprising current research in archaeobotany on Africa, elucidates human adaptation and innovation with respect to the exploitation of plant resources. In the long-term perspective climatic changes of the environment as well as human impact have posed constant challenges to the interaction between peoples and the plants growing in different countries and latitudes. This book provides an insight into/overview of the manifold routes people have taken in various parts Africa in order to make a decent living from the provisions of their environment by bringing together the analyses of macroscopic and microscopic plant remains with ethnographic, botanical, geographical and linguistic research. The numerous chapters cover almost all the continent countries, and were prepared by most of the scholars whostudy African archaeobotany, i.e. the complex and composite history of plant uses and environmental transformations during the Holocene.

This book is an introduction to cancer treatment, the basics of radio- and chemotherapy, drug actions, the eradication of cancer cells, and the origins and persistence of pharmacological and toxicological effects of drugs. It further provides ideas for research based on knowledge of cancer metastasis, invasive and molecular pathways, and diagnosis and treatment. Many of the adaptive features of cancer biology, clinical features, pathology and treatment are reviewed. In addition to introducing the major themes and theories, the book also advances the current discussion by moving beyond explanations for clinical implementation.Key Selling Features: Reviews basic cancer treatments Summarizes chemotherapies Discusses radiotherapies Examines pharmacological and toxicological approaches to treatment Introduces oncological drug development

Over one hundred of the world's most important species of nuts are systematically accounted in this informative handbook. The text defines nuts and discusses their economic and nutritional value. For easy reference; there is an illustrated account of each nut by species, arranged alphabetically by scientific name. Each account includes the family name, several colloquial names, and paragraphs on uses, folk medicine, chemistry, germplasm, distribution, ecol-ogy, cultivation, harvesting, yields, energy, and biotic factors.Chapters Describe:Uses Folk medicine Chemistry Germplasm Distribution Ecology Cultivation Harvesting Yields and economics Energy Biotic factors

The CRC Ethnobotany Desk Reference contains almost 30,000 concise ethnobotanical monographs of plant species characteristics and an inventory of claimed attributes and historical uses by cultures throughout the world-the most ambitious attempt to date to inventory plants on a global scale and match botanical information with historical and current uses.To obtain the same information about any species listed, you would have to thumb through hundreds of herbal guides, ethnobotanical manuals, and regional field guides. Sources for this index include the three largest U.S. Government ethnobotany databases, the U.S. National Park Service NPFlora plant inventory lists, and 18 leading works on the subject.

Continuing advances in science and technology offer the promise of providing tools to meet global challenges in health, agriculture, the environment, and economic development; some of the benefits are already being realized. However, such advances have the potential to challenge the oversight systems for responsible conduct of life sciences research with dual use potential – research that may have beneficial applications but that also could be misused to cause harm. Between June 10 and 13, 2018, more than 70 participants from 30 different countries and 5 international organizations took part in an international workshop, The Governance of Dual Use Research in the Life Sciences: Advancing Global Consensus on Research Oversight, to promote global dialogue and increased common understandings of the essential elements of governance for such research. Hosted by the Croatian Academy of Sciences and Arts in Zagreb, Croatia, the workshop was a collaboration among the InterAcademy Partnership, the Croatian Academy, the Croatian Society for Biosafety and Biosecurity, and the U.S. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. This publication summarizes the presentations and discussions from the workshop.

Recent global cancer statistical data has clearly indicated that prostate cancer is currently the second most frequently diagnosed cancer (at 15% of all male cancers) and globally the sixth leading cause of cancer death in males. This book is a summary of prostate cancer, covering its incidence, epidemiology, and current treatment options. It also serves as an up-to-date review of the status of currently available alternative and complementary medicines for treating prostate cancer, including various plant extracts, herbal formulations, natural products, yoga, acupuncture, Ayurveda, homeopathy, and Siddha medicines used in prostate cancer therapy.

Serotonin and Melatonin: Their Functional Role in Plants, Food, Phytomedicine, and Human Health highlights the significance of the plant sources of serotonin and melatonin in the fields of medicine, agriculture, and food science. Over the last few decades, an enormous amount of research data has been generated on these two neurotransmitters/plant signalers. This book covers topics regarding the occurrence of serotonin and melatonin in medicinal plants and food value plants with their implications for human health, the role of serotonin and melatonin in plant growth development, functions of melatonin and serotonin in the environmental adaptation of plants, and the implications of these molecules in human disorders and treatments. This volume should appeal to scientists and other professionals engaged in basic and applied research on the relevance of serotonin and melatonin to plants, animals, and humans. Features Reviews the global scientific literature and the experimental data of the authors on the occurrence of serotonin and melatonin in medicinal and food value plants and its implications for human health Explains in detail the role of serotonin and melatonin in plant growth development Helps in understanding the complex functions of melatonin and serotonin in the environmental adaptation in plants Discusses the importance of the development of transgenic plants with high amounts of serotonin and melatonin. Describes the current understanding of serotonin and melatonin in human disorders, and also their relevance in the treatment of specific health conditions. Written by acknowledged experts from across the world

Australian Native Plants: Cultivation and Uses in the Health and Food Industries provides a comprehensive overview of native food crops commercially grown in Australia that possess nutritional and health properties largely unknown on a global basis. These native foods have been consumed traditionally, have a unique flavor diversity, offer significant health promoting effects, and contain useful functional properties. Australian native plant foods have also been identified for their promising antioxidant and antimicrobial properties that have considerable commercial potential.This book is divided into three parts: The first part reviews the cultivation and production of many Australian native plants (ANP), including Anise Myrtle, Bush Tomato, Desert Raisin, Davidson's Plum, Desert Limes, Australian Finger Lime, Kakadu Plum, Lemon Aspen, Lemon Myrtle, Muntries, Native Pepper, Quandong, Riberry, and Wattle Seed. It then examines the food and health applications of ANP and discusses alternative medicines based on aboriginal traditional knowledge and culture, nutritional characteristics, and bioactive compounds in ANP. In addition, it reviews the anti-obesity and anti-inflammatory properties of ANP and discusses food preservation, antimicrobial activity of ANP, and unique flavors from Australian native plants.The third section covers the commercial applications of ANP. It focuses on native Australian plant extracts and cosmetic applications, processing of native plant foods and ingredients, quality changes during packaging, and storage of Australian native herbs. The final few chapters look into the importance of value chains that connect producers and consumers of native plant foods, new market opportunities for Australian indigenous food plants, and the safety of using native foods as ingredients in the health and food sectors.

Salinity stress currently impacts more than 80 million hectares of land worldwide and more arable land is likely to be impacted in the future due to global climate changes. Managing Salt Tolerance in Plants: Molecular and Genomic Perspectives presents detailed molecular and genomic approaches for the development of crop plants tolerant to salinity

Peterson's Graduate Programs in the Biological Sciences 2014 contains comprehensive profiles of nearly 6,800 graduate programs in disciplines such as, allied health, biological & biomedical sciences, biophysics, cell, molecular, & structural biology, microbiological sciences, neuroscience & neurobiology, nursing, pharmacy & pharmaceutical sciences, physiology, public health, and more. Up-to-date data, collected through Peterson's Annual Survey of Graduate and Professional Institutions, provides valuable information on degree offerings, professional accreditation, jointly offered degrees, part-time and evening/weekend programs, postbaccalaureate distance degrees, faculty, students, requirements, expenses, financial support, faculty research, and unit head and application contact information. There are helpful links to in-depth descriptions about a specific graduate program or department, faculty members and their research, and more. There are also valuable articles on financial assistance, the graduate admissions process, advice for international and minority students, and facts about accreditation, with a current list of accrediting agencies.

The Handbook of Nutrition, Diet and the Eye is the first book to thoroughly address common features and etiological factors in how dietary and nutritional factors affect the eye. The ocular system is perhaps one of the least studied organs in diet and nutrition, yet the consequences of vision loss can be devastating. One of the biggest contributors to complete vision loss in the western hemisphere is diabetes, precipitated by metabolic syndrome. In some developing countries, micronutrient deficiencies are major contributory factors to impaired vision. However, there are a range of ocular defects that have either their origin in nutritional deficiencies or excess or have been shown to respond favorably to nutritional components. The eye from the cornea to the retina may be affected by nutritional components. Effects may be physiological or molecular. This book represents essential reading for nutritionists, dietitians, optometrists, ophthalmologists, opticians, endocrinologists, and other clinicians and researchers interested in eye health and vision in general. - Saves clinicians and researchers time in quickly accessing the very latest details on a broad range of nutrition, ocular health, and disease issues - Provides a common language for nutritionists, nutrition researchers, optometrists, and ophthalmologists to discuss how dietary and nutritional factors, and related diseases and syndromes affect the eye - Preclinical, clinical, and population studies will help nutritionists, dieticians, and clinicians map out key areas for research and further clinical recommendations

Great strides have been made in the field of natural medicine with respect to neurocognition. Once limited to the province of niche publications, these discoveries are now routinely explored in mainstream psychopharmacology, neuroscience, nutrition, and medical journals. Now presented in one convenient volume, Advances in Natural Medicines, Nutrace

Many North American plants have characteristics that are especially promising as candidates for expanding our food supply and generating new economically competitive crops. This book is an informative analysis of the top 100 indigenous food plants of North America, focusing on those species that have achieved commercial success or have substantial market potential. The book's user-friendly format provides concise information on each plant. It examines the geography and ecology, history, economic and social importance, food and industrial uses, and the economic future of each crop.

Over the past several decades, new scientific tools and approaches for detecting microbial species have dramatically enhanced our appreciation of the diversity and abundance of the microbiota and its dynamic interactions with the environments within which these microorganisms reside. The first bacterial genome was sequenced in 1995 and took more than 13 months of work to complete. Today, a microorganism's entire genome can be sequenced in a few days. Much as our view of the cosmos was forever altered in the 17th century with the invention of the telescope, these genomic technologies, and the observations derived from them, have fundamentally transformed our appreciation of the microbial world around us. On June 12 and 13, 2012, the Institute of Medicine's (IOM's) Forum on Microbial Threats convened a public workshop in Washington, DC, to discuss the scientific tools and approaches being used for detecting and characterizing microbial species, and the roles of microbial genomics and metagenomics to better understand the culturable and unculturable microbial world around us. Through invited presentations and discussions, participants examined the use of microbial genomics to explore the diversity, evolution, and adaptation of microorganisms in a wide variety of environments; the molecular mechanisms of disease emergence and epidemiology; and the ways that genomic technologies are being applied to disease outbreak trace back and microbial surveillance. Points that were emphasized by many participants included the need to develop robust standardized sampling protocols, the importance of having the appropriate metadata, data analysis and data management challenges, and information sharing in real time. The Science and Applications of Microbial Genomics summarizes this workshop.

Peterson's Graduate Programs in the Biological/Biomedical Sciences & Health-Related Medical Professions 2013 contains a wealth of information on accredited institutions offering graduate degree programs in these fields. Up-to-date data, collected through Peterson's Annual Survey of Graduate and Professional Institutions, provides valuable information on degree offerings, professional accreditation, jointly offered degrees, part-time and evening/weekend programs, postbaccalaureate distance degrees, faculty, students, requirements, expenses, financial support, faculty research, and unit head and application contact information. There are helpful links to in-depth descriptions about a specific graduate program or department, faculty members and their research, and more. There are also valuable articles on financial assistance, the graduate admissions process, advice for international and minority students, and facts about accreditation, with a current list of accrediting agencies.

Written as a reference to be used within University, Departmental, Public, Institutional, Herbaria, and Arboreta libraries, this book provides the first starting point for better access to data on medicinal and poisonous plants. Following on the success of the author's CRC World Dictionary of Plant Names and the CRC World Dictionary of Grasses, the author provides the names of thousands of genera and species of economically important plants. It serves as an indispensable time-saving guide for all those involved with plants in medicine, food, and cultural practices as it draws on a tremendous range of primary and secondary sources. This authoritative lexicon is much more than a dictionary. It includes historical and linguistic information on botany and medicine throughout each volume.

This volume provides a contemporary overview of new strategies for traditional medicine development. It emphasizes the importance of cataloging ethnomedical information, determining the active principles, and examining the genetic diversity and range of actions of traditional medicines. It discusses the challenges of using traditional medicines for

Medicinal Plants, Volume 6 of the Genetic Resources, Chromosome Engineering, and Crop Improvement series summarizes landmark research and describes medicinal plants as nature's pharmacy. HighlightsExamines the use of molecular technology for maintaining authenticity and quality of plant-based productsDetails reports on individual medicinal plants i

Several milestones in biology have been achieved since the first publication of the Handbook of Molecular and Cellular Methods in Biology and Medicine. This is true particularly with respect to genome-level sequencing of higher eukaryotes, the invention of DNA microarray technology, advances in bioinformatics, and the development of RNAi technology

Investigations in space have led to fundamental discoveries of the human body to the space environment. Gilles Clément has conducted extensive research in this field. This readable text presents the findings from the life science experiments conducted during and after space missions. About 1200 human space flights have been completed to date, including more than 500 astronauts from various countries, for a combined total presence in space of about 90 years. The first edition of this title was published in 2005 (written in 2003 – 2004), and new data is now available from crewmembers participating in long-duration flights on board the International Space Station (ISS). The number of astronauts who have spent six months in orbit has doubled since 2004. On board the ISS, the astronauts use newly developed pharmaceutical countermeasure for bone loss (such as biophosphonates) and state-of-the-art exercise resistive devices against muscle atrophy and cardiovascular deterioration. The ISS life support systems now use advanced closed-loop systems for meeting the needs of a 6-person crew, including recycling urine to water. Some of these new technologies have potential spin-offs for medical (i.e., sedentary life style, obesity) and environmental issues here on Earth. And finally, there are new space research opportunities with the Orion space vehicle that will soon replace the Space Shuttle, the Moon, and Mars space exploration program that is slowly but surely taking shape, and the space tourism sector that has become a reality. The focus on this edition is the ISS, Orion and planetary exploration, and space tourism. This edition also includes more than 20% new material, along with photographs, data, and video clips for Springer Extras!

Despite the undoubted success of a scientific approach to pharmaceuticals, the last few decades have witnessed a spectacular rise in interest in herbal medicinal products. This general interest has been followed by increasing scientific and commercial attention that led to the coining of the term ethnopharmacology to describe the scientific discipl

Just five years ago, it was generally believed that the number of food insecure people in the world was on continuous decline. Unfortunately, widespread soil degradation along with resistance to recommended agronomic practices, and little attempt to restore degraded soils have conspired with significant droughts (in regions that could least tolerat

The 2nd International Forum on Biosecurity, held in Budapest, Hungary on March 30 - April 2, 2008, represents the efforts of a number of individuals and organizations, over the last five years, to engage the international community of life scientists in addressing how to reduce the risk that the results of their work could be used for hostile purposes by terrorists and states. The participants who gathered in Budapest were already engaged in this challenging task, and, therefore, the focus of the meeting was on what had been accomplished and what challenges remained. There was no attempt to achieve consensus, since there exist real and important differences among those involved concerning the appropriate policies and actions to be undertaken. But there was a serious effort to identify a range of potential next steps, and also an effort to identify opportunities where international scientific organizations could make substantive contributions and offer their advice and expertise to policy discussions. The Forum's presentations, discussions, and results are summarized in this book.

A unique reference containing detailed reviews of more than 900 drugs and poisons, the Poisoning and Toxicology Handbook, Fourth Edition provides the latest information on medicinal, biological, herbal, and non-medicinal agents, and antidotes. Increasing its depth and scope with analyses of newer drugs, chemicals, and environmental toxins, includin