Natural products have dominated our lives since ancient times. Today, they are an inexhaustible source of new medications for disease treatment. The practice of evaluating bioactive compounds extracted from natural sources has also advanced significantly, prompting a need to understand current methods to identify and evaluate them. This book covers basic scientific aspects of preclinical research on natural products for specific conditions and diseases. These include aging, gynecological disorders, inflammatory disorders, renal disorders and cardiovascular disorders. Each of the 10 book chapters give a structured overview on preclinical methods on the etiology of diseases, natural products as the materials for the bioassays, extract types, concentration of the extracts/compounds for in vitro and in vivo assays, preparation of the test materials, application of the test materials, step-by-step methods and related calculations. The book is intended as a quick reference for natural product researchers, pharmacists and postgraduate students in pharmacognosy. Medical doctors working in preclinical research on natural products will also benefit from the information provided.

Medicinal chemists around the world have been inspired by nature and have successfully extracted chemicals from plants. Research on enzymatic modifications of naturally occurring compounds has played a critical role in the search for biologically active molecules to treat diseases. This book set explores compounds of interest to researchers and clinicians. It presents a comprehensive analysis about the medicinal chemistry (drug design, structure-activity relationships, permeability data, cytotoxicity, appropriate statistical procedures, molecular modelling studies) of different compounds. Each chapter brings contributions from known scientists explaining experimental results which can be translated into clinical practice. Volume 3 presents (1) a brief overview of botanical and pharmacological properties of alkaloids, (2) a summary of the synthesis of natural morphinans and related alkaloids, (3) caffeine-based compounds for the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders, (4) piperine derivatives, (5) noscapine-based anti-cancer agents, (6) biogenic amines and amino acid derivatives as carbonic anhydrase modulators and (7) antimalarial compounds on quinoline scaffolds. The objective of this book is to fulfil gaps in current knowledge with updated information from recent years. It serves as a guide for academic and professional researchers and clinicians.

This book explains key concepts and applications of nanotechnology in clinical medicine and pharmacology. The chapters have been contributed by experts and provide a broad perspective about the current and future developments in pharmacology, toxicology, cell biology, and materials science. The book is divided into 2 main sections. The first section concerns nanobiotechnology for human health including gastrointestinal disease, kidney diseases, pulmonary disorders, reproductive system, COVID-19, and cancer. The second section is devoted to toxicological aspects of nanomaterials which involve toxicological assessments of nanotherapeutics and potential solutions for nanotoxicology. Key Features - Emphasizes the high degree of interdisciplinary research in pharmacology, toxicology and nanoscience - Summarizes the results of theoretical, methodological, and practical studies in different medical subspecialties - includes special topics such as novel nanotoxicology assessment methods and nano vaccines - Includes references for further reading

This volume is a complete review of the cutting-edge scientific evidence about the isolation, identification, bioactivity and molecular analysis of the biologically active peptides (BAPs) obtained from several underutilized grains. It provides a general review of current and new technologies in isolating and bioprospecting BAPs before going into the details of 11 grains. Amaranth, quinoa, millet, buckwheat, sorghum, lupin, mung bean, chickpea, broad bean, cocoa bean and chia are extensively discussed in dedicated chapters. Additionally, these chapters provide information about the characteristics of the crop, its main varieties, traditional uses, economic importance, nutritional aspects, structure and chemical composition of the grains, as well as the classification and distribution of the grain protein fractions. Moreover, the advances in the analytical techniques used for the concentration, purification and molecular characterization of BAPs are described. The impact of BAPs in the promotion of health is highlighted, as well as their potential incorporation as promising ingredients in the development of functional foods, nutraceuticals and cosmeceuticals. Finally, the main findings related to the potential antiviral and anti-COVID-19 activities of BAPs derived from underutilized grains are described. This reference will be of interest for academics, professionals and researchers focused in food science, biotechnology, pharmacology and agriculture, and to professionals involved in the research and development of natural products, pharmaceuticals and cosmeceuticals.

Cerium is the most abundant metal of rare-earth elements. It can be used to make materials such as phosphors and alloys, that have applications in various applied fields (like electronics, magnetics and heterogeneous catalysis) and devices (like catalytic converters and gas mantles). Cerium-Based Materials: Synthesis, Properties and Applications presents detailed knowledge about cerium materials. Starting with the history of cerium-based materials, it gives an introduction to the synthesis of chemicals like cerium oxides and composites. This is followed by information about characterization of cerium nanoparticles and industrial applications of cerium-based materials, with a focus on catalysis, biomedical engineering and pharmaceutical chemistry. This book is an essential reference for researchers and chemical engineers who want a summary of cerium materials and its applications.

A biosensor is an integrated receptor-transducer device that converts a biological response into an electrical signal. The design and development of biosensors have taken center stage for researchers or scientists in the recent decade owing to the wide range of biosensor applications in healthcare and disease diagnosis, environmental monitoring, water and food quality, and drug delivery. Due to their adaptability, ease of use in relatively complex samples, and portability, the significance of electrochemical biosensors in analytical chemistry has increased manifold. Electrochemistry has been pivotal in developing transduction methods for biological processes and biosensors. In parallel, the explosion of activity in nanoscience and nanotechnology and their huge success have profoundly affected biosensor technology, opening new avenues of research for electrode materials and transduction. Electrochemical Biosensors in Practice: Material and Methods particularly explores the use of silver and gold nanoparticles for signal amplification, photocurrent transduction, and aptamer design. Therefore, the book serves as an introductory text for those specializing in biosensors and bioelectronics and their practical applications. Key features - Includes structured information for easy understanding of the subject - Provides an introduction to biosensors and electrochemical biosensor classification - Explains fundamental concepts and practical electrochemistry techniques for research - Provides notes on essential electrochemical sensor materials such as graphene, carbon nanotubes, conductive polymers, and other advanced materials - Provides information about electrochemical biosensor development - Informs readers about recent applications and research findings - Includes references for further reading

Rare-earth hexaborides are a group of materials composed of octahedral boron units. They are useful for making advanced ceramics that have a wide range of industrial applications due to their low electronic work functions, hardness, refractory properties, low electrical resistances and specific thermal expansion coefficients. Rare-Earth Metal Hexaborides: Synthesis, Properties, and Applications provides a quick reference on rare-earth metal hexaborides and their engineering applications. It provides a primer on rare earth elements followed by details of rare-earth hexaboride structures, synthetic methods, and information about their alloys and ceramic composites. References to scholarly research are also provided for assisting advanced readers. This reference is a handy source of information for chemical engineering and materials science scholars, and anyone interested in the applied chemistry of rare-earth metals and borides.

Medicinal chemists around the world have been inspired by nature and have successfully extracted chemicals from plants. Research on enzymatic modifications of naturally occurring compounds has played a critical role in the search for biologically active molecules to treat diseases. This book set explores compounds of interest to researchers and clinicians. It presents a comprehensive analysis about the medicinal chemistry (drug design, structure-activity relationships, permeability data, cytotoxicity, appropriate statistical procedures, molecular modelling studies) of different compounds. Each chapter brings contributions from known scientists explaining experimental results which can be translated into clinical practice. Volume 2 gives (1) a detailed overview of the sesquiterpenes polypharmacology, (2) an interesting journey around the world of cannabinoids that reveals the development of new synthetic Δ9-THC derivatives, (3) the design of specific formulations to overcome the volatility of small sized terpenes-based essential oils, (4) an update on the latest generations of endoperoxides endowed with antimalarial activity and finally (5) a summary of MedChem strategies to fix the most common issues in formulating terpene derivatives (like low potency and poor solubility). The objective of this book set is to fulfill gaps in currently acquired knowledge with information from the recent years. It serves as a guide for academic and professional researchers and clinicians.

Bioactive Phytochemicals from Himalayas: A Phytotherapeutic Approach covers herbal medicines from the Himalayan mountains. Chapters in this book detail molecular mechanisms and experimental tools and techniques for research on plants in this region. Phytochemical experts guide the readers through the role of Himalayan plants in therapy for metabolic diseases like cancer and diabetes, hepatic diseases, inflammatory diseases, and neurodegenerative diseases. Some chapters focus on diseases and how various plants from Himalayan origin are beneficial in these diseases. This compilation,with professional contributors, aims to inform a wide scientific community from various research fields about basic research on medicinal plants with a focus on Himalayan herbs. The book also serves as a handbook for pharmacologists working on the broad therapeutic aspects of these plants.

Advanced Catalysts Based on Metal-organic Frameworks is a comprehensive introduction to advanced catalysts based on MOFs. It covers basic information about MOF catalysts with industrial and environmental applications. The detailed chapters update readers on current applications and strategies to apply MOF-based catalysts in industrial processes geared for sustainability initiatives such as renewable energy, pollution control and combating carbon emissions. Key Features - 13 structured, easy to read chapters that comprehensively cover MOF catalysts - An introduction to basic information about MOF catalysts - In-depth coverage of advanced applications of MOF catalysts - Explanation of MOF modifications and applications of derivative compounds - In-depth coverage of MOF catalysts used for electrocatalysis and photocatalysis - Detailed explanation of environmental-friendly and sustainable technologies (biomass upgrading, water purification, CO2 capture) - Updated references for advanced readers The is an essential reference for chemical engineers, scientists in the manufacturing and sustainability industry and post-graduate scholars working on MOFs and chemical catalysis.