The Phytochemical Landscape

The Phytochemical Landscape
Author: Mark D. Hunter
Publisher: Princeton University Press
Total Pages: 375
Release: 2016-08-09
Genre: Science
ISBN: 0691158452

The dazzling variation in plant chemistry is a primary mediator of trophic interactions, including herbivory, predation, parasitism, and disease. At the same time, such interactions feed back to influence spatial and temporal variation in the chemistry of plants. In this book, Mark Hunter provides a novel approach to linking the trophic interactions of organisms with the cycling of nutrients in ecosystems. Hunter introduces the concept of the "phytochemical landscape"—the shifting spatial and temporal mosaic of plant chemistry that serves as the nexus between trophic interactions and nutrient dynamics. He shows how plant chemistry is both a cause and consequence of trophic interactions, and how it also mediates ecosystem processes such as nutrient cycling. Nutrients and organic molecules in plant tissues affect decomposition rates and the fluxes of elements such as carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus. The availability of these same nutrients influences the chemistry of cells and tissues that plants produce. In combination, these feedback routes generate pathways by which trophic interactions influence nutrient dynamics and vice versa, mediated through plant chemistry. Hunter provides evidence from terrestrial and aquatic systems for each of these pathways, and describes how a focus on the phytochemical landscape enables us to better understand and manage the ecosystems in which we live. Essential reading for students and researchers alike, this book offers an integrated approach to population-, community-, and ecosystem-level ecological processes.

The Phytochemical and Pharmacological Aspects of Ethnomedicinal Plants

The Phytochemical and Pharmacological Aspects of Ethnomedicinal Plants
Author: V. R. Mohan
Publisher: CRC Press
Total Pages: 539
Release: 2021-07-28
Genre: Science
ISBN: 1000206882

This book addresses the resurgence of interest in the rediscovery of ethnomedicinal plants as a source of potential ethnomedicines. In the 21st century, the pharmacological effects of medicinal plants are considered to have a promising future as drugs and medicines for the management of healthcare. Considering the extremely high cost and length of time needed for the development of new drugs, as well as the high drug attrition rate, pharmaceutical companies and researchers continue to explore new ways for drug R&D and focus more attention on the benefits of ethnomedical plants as a source of new compounds for drugs. The research provided in this timely volume examines the development and characterization of new natural drugs from medicinal plants with the aid of better screening methods. The chapters survey specific medicinal plant species and describe the characteristics of each, how the plants work, and their applications for healthcare. The authors provide research on plants from Western Ghats and adjoining areas for ethnomedicinal investigation because this area is very rich in phytodiversity and tribal traditions in phytotherapy and the plants surveyed have applications beyond this region. This book is a valuable medical compendium of plants and is intended as a guide and reference resource for professionals in the field. It reviews the current status of ethnomedicinal plants research in light of the surge in the demand for herbal medicine as a future source of new therapeutics.

Chemical Ecology

Chemical Ecology
Author: Jorg D. Hardege
Publisher: EOLSS Publications
Total Pages: 572
Release: 2009-06-10
Genre: Science
ISBN: 1848261799

Chemical Ecology is a component of Encyclopedia of Chemical Sciences, Engineering and Technology Resources in the global Encyclopedia of Life Support Systems (EOLSS), which is an integrated compendium of twenty one Encyclopedias. The Theme on Chemical Ecology provides the essential aspects of the chemicals involved in the interactions of living organisms. It deals with studies involving defensive chemicals which are utilized to deter potential predators, which may attack a wide variety of species, animal interaction, aquatic ecosystems, chemical ecology and pest management, relation to medicine and pharmaceuticals. This volume is aimed at the following five major target audiences: University and College students Educators, Professional practitioners, Research personnel and Policy analysts, managers, and decision makers.

Phytochemical Omics in Medicinal Plants

Phytochemical Omics in Medicinal Plants
Author: Jen-Tsung Chen
Publisher: MDPI
Total Pages: 542
Release: 2021-08-18
Genre: Medical
ISBN: 3036512942

Medicinal plants are used to treat diseases and provide health benefits, and their applications are increasing around the world. A huge array of phytochemicals have been identified from medicinal plants, belonging to carotenoids, flavonoids, lignans, and phenolic acids, and so on, with a wide range of biological activities. In order to explore our knowledge of phytochemicals with the assistance of modern molecular tools and high-throughput technologies, this book collects recent innovative original research and review articles on subtopics of mechanistic insights into bioactivities, treatment of diseases, profiling, extraction and identification, and biotechnology.

Savanna Woody Plants and Large Herbivores

Savanna Woody Plants and Large Herbivores
Author: Peter Frank Scogings
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
Total Pages: 794
Release: 2019-09-30
Genre: Science
ISBN: 1119081106

Insights on current research and recent developments in understanding global savanna systems Increasingly recognized as synonymous with tropical grassy biomes, savannas are found in tropical and sub-tropical climates as well as warm, temperate regions of North America. Savanna Woody Plants and Large Herbivores examines the interactions between woody plants and browsing mammals in global savannas—focusing primarily on the C4 grassy ecosystems with woody components that constitute the majority of global savannas—and discusses contemporary savanna management models and applications. This much-needed addition to current research examines topics including the varying behavior of browsing mammals, the response to browsing by woody species, and the factors that inhibit forage intake. Contributions from an international team of active researchers and experts compare and contrast different savanna ecosystems, offering a global perspective on savanna functioning, the roles of soil and climate in resource availability and organism interaction, and the possible impacts of climate change across global savannas. Fills a gap in literature on savanna management issues, including biodiversity conservation and animal production Applies concepts developed in other biomes to future savanna research Complements contemporary books on savanna or large herbivore ecology Focuses on the woody component of savanna ecosystems and large herbivore interactions in savannas Compares tree-mammal systems of savannas and other eco-systems of temperate and boreal regions Provides numerous case studies of plant-mammal interactions from various savanna ecosystems Savanna Woody Plants and Large Herbivores is a valuable addition to those in fields such as ecology, wildlife and conservation biology, natural resource management, and environmental science.

Phytochemicals from Medicinal Plants

Phytochemicals from Medicinal Plants
Author: Hafiz Ansar Rasul Suleria
Publisher: CRC Press
Total Pages: 295
Release: 2019-11-15
Genre: Medical
ISBN: 0429515235

Phytochemicals from Medicinal Plants: Scope, Applications and Potential Health Claims explores the importance of medicinal plants and their potential benefits for human health. This book looks at bioactive compounds from medicinal plants, the health benefits of bioactive compounds, the applications of plant-based products in the food and pharmaceutical industries. The first section discusses available sources of bioactive compounds from medicinal plants, biochemistry, structural composition, potential biological activities, and how bioactive molecules are isolated from medicinal plants. The authors examine the applications of bioactive molecules from a health perspective, looking at the pharmacological aspects of medicinal plants, the phytochemical and biological activities of different natural products, and ethnobotany/and medicinal properties, and also present a novel dietary approach for disease management. The book goes on to examine the plant-based products are used and can be used in various sectors of the food and pharmaceutical industries.

Human Health and its Maintenance with the Aid of Medicinal Plants

Human Health and its Maintenance with the Aid of Medicinal Plants
Author: Julian Barker
Publisher: Aeon Books
Total Pages: 650
Release: 2020-05-31
Genre: Health & Fitness
ISBN: 191280784X

Based on forty years of clinical practice, Julian Barker formulates a number of interlocking ideas that integrate circadian physiology with the transformations that constitute human life. Taking knowledge, information, and data from various disciplines, he presents an integrative model of health, linking circadian biology with the psychosocial human being. He develops a theory that attempts to explain how medicinal plants modify human physiology and how they contribute to health. Aimed at the student acquiring knowledge and developing the skills to practise medicine as well as the qualified herbal practitioner, this thought-provoking work breaks new ground in health theory.

Plant Derived Bioactive Compounds in Human Health and Disease

Plant Derived Bioactive Compounds in Human Health and Disease
Author: Surajit Pathak
Publisher: CRC Press
Total Pages: 324
Release: 2024-12-10
Genre: Medical
ISBN: 1040143199

This book offers a comprehensive review of the multifaceted role of phytochemicals in promoting human health and combating diseases. The initial chapters introduce phytochemicals, navigate the natural health landscape, and provide a foundational understanding of these bioactive compounds. The book unfolds the role of phytochemicals as a formidable defense against oxidative stress and explores the unique health benefits and nutritional significance of phytochemicals found in fruit peels. The subsequent chapters further discuss the therapeutic potential of phytochemicals, detailing their role in combating multidrug-resistant bacterial infections and modulating critical pathways in inflammation and cancer. This book also highlights the novel treatment strategies for amyloidosis using natural products, as well as the fascinating interplay between natural compounds and biogenic nanoparticles in the context of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). Further exploration includes the impact of plant-derived compounds on cancer stem cells and the recent advancements in ethnopharmacology for age-related brain disorders. Each chapter provides a thorough and up-to-date analysis of research findings, clinical applications, and future directions within the field. By presenting a holistic view of the diverse functions and benefits of phytochemicals, this book aims to inspire further investigation and innovation in this dynamic area of research, ultimately contributing to enhanced human health and well-being.