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.

Natural Immunomodulators: Promising Therapy for Disease Management discusses the use of natural immunomodulators as a promising therapy for managing various diseases. The book begins with an introduction to the immune system and the ways in which it can be modulated. This is followed by a discussion on the various diseases and disorders associated with the immune system, including autoimmune disorders, allergies, and immune deficiency conditions. The natural sources of immunomodulators, including plants, herbs, and other natural substances is also explained along with the importance of standardizing natural immunomodulator drugs, including the methods used to ensure their quality and consistency. The book also delves into the chemistry and analytical techniques used to study immunomodulators, clinical and pre-clinical bioassays. The next couple of chapters focus on the use of natural immunomodulators in cancer, the therapy of cancer and infectious diseases. Drug delivery and the strategy and regulatory perspective for natural immunomodulators. The final 2 chapters round up the contents with information about synthetic immunomodulators and the future perspective for the use of immunomodulators in disease management. Natural Immunomodulators: Promising Therapy for Disease Management is a comprehensive guide to the use of natural immunomodulators as a therapy for various diseases, and is a valuable resource for professionals and students interested in this topic. The book is aimed at health care professionals such as medical doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and life science and nutritionist professionals, as well as students.

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.

Degenerative nerve diseases are age-related, progressive and cause irreversible neurological loss that may lead to death. Chronic diseases like amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Huntington's disease, Alzheimer's disease, and Parkinson's disease are associated with insoluble protein depositions and pose serious health challenges that may intensify in the coming decades. Current therapies only help to alleviate some of the physical or mental symptoms associated with neurodegenerative diseases, although there is currently no remedy for slow disease progression. In recent years, attempts have been made to discover a mechanism for neurodegenerative diseases and prospective treatment that may help mitigate aging effects and prevent these diseases. Natural products have been a constant source of new approaches for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases, in particular plant alkaloids and polyphenolic compounds. Indopathy for Neuroprotection: Recent Advances highlights herbal treatments that are preferred over conventional treatments in some regions. Book chapters focus on the effects of various medicinal plants that have shown promise in reversing pathological symptoms of neurodegenerative disease and highlight the neuroprotective role of medicinal herbal phytochemicals and their mechanism of action. The book serves as a reference for pharmacology and herbal medicine scholars as well as healthcare workers interested in information about alternative and complementary therapies for neurological disorders.

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 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. Each chapter follows a specific format for a phytochemical agent with common chemical features: - General background on the (phyto)chemistry of the scaffold - General background on the pharmacological profile of the scaffold - A Description of the proposed derivatives and their advantages with respect to the parent compounds (emphasizing the synthetic approaches and structure-activity relationships) - In silico analysis of the crucial interactions with the biological target - Clinical studies and patent survey (if available) on the new and proposed structures The objective of this book set is to fulfil gaps in currently acquired knowledge with information from the recent years. It serves as a guide for academic and professional researchers and clinicians.

This handbook provides an introduction to COVID-19 and herbal medications that boost the human immune system against SARS-CoV-2. The topics are covered in 7 chapters starting with an introduction to the disease, followed by notes on nutraceuticals and common herbal medicines that have therapeutic potential by enhancing the patient's immune response. Special topics such as COVID-19 risk factors and Indian traditional medicines are also included to supplement the contents. The editors have taken advantage of the vast body of knowledge accumulated since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2019. Chapters are written in simple language with structured headings to facilitate a quick understanding of the subject. References are provided for scholars interested in further readings. The book is a quick guide on immune boosting medicines for a broad audience that includes general medical practitioners, nurses, caregivers, and public healthcare workers involved in clinics working in local communities.

The book is an evidence-based reference about biochemical mechanisms of action of plant secondary metabolites. It conveys an understanding about how plant-based therapies work, and explains their role in the treatment of complementary and alternative medicine for in the treatment of diabetes, cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, microbial infections, etc., The 15 chapters are written by eminent scholars, lecturers, and experts in indigenous knowledge systems (IKS), industrial and medicinal plants, phytotherapeutics, and phytoinformatics. Reports on health benefits of specific phytochemicals are also highlighted. In addition to basic concepts in medicinal chemistry and ethnopharmacology, the book covers the role of modern computer techniques in developing new pharmaceuticals from plat sources. Therapeutic Uses of Plant Secondary Metabolites is timely and valuable reference for both undergraduate and postgraduate students in medicinal chemistry, as well as researchers and professionals in IKS, phytomedicine, ethnopharmacology, phytopharmacology, plant biotechnology, drug discovery and development, and phytotherapeutics.

This volume is a comprehensive compilation of contributions on the state of art knowledge about bioactive compounds including their sources, isolation methods, biological effects, health benefits and potential applications. These bioactive compounds could serve as alternatives in the prevention or treatment of multifactorial diseases for vulnerable population groups. Chapters in the book incorporate the knowledge based on traditional medicine with recent findings on bioactive molecules and their pharmaceutical implications in neurodegenerative diseases, cancer, COVID 19, diabetes, immunomodulation and farm animal diseases. The book also highlights the latest breakthroughs in the field of screening, characterization, and novel applications of natural bioactive compounds from diverse group of organisms ranging from bacteria, algae, fungi, higher plants, and marine sources. Authors from renowned institutions of India, Japan and China have shared their expertise in the contributed chapters with the goal of enhancing readers' knowledge about the significance of use of bioactives in therapeutics and nutraceuticals. It is an informative reference for researchers, professors, graduate students, science enthusiasts, and all those who wish to gain insights into various aspects of bioactive compounds and development of new pharmacological active constituents and nutritional science.

New Findings from Natural Substances present the state-of-the-art and future prospects for the application of biomolecules in the pharmaceutical, agricultural, food and industrial sectors. The book presents eight reviews contributed by more than twenty experts on interesting natural substances, and plant sources, that serve as sources of natural remedies for a variety of ailments. The reviews in the book cover the use of herbs like Heliotropium and Astragalus. Additional health benefits of extracts from essential oils, Caenorhabditis elegans, and olive oil, as well as the medicinal use of rosmarinic acid and hydrolates. The contributions highlight a range of pharmacological agents from natural sources that have anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, cardioprotective and neuroprotective effects. The contents are presented in a simple and organized style. The book will broaden the knowledge about biological products for a variety of readers - generalists, students and researchers, alike.