"Phytochemicals: Isolation, Characterisation and Role in Human Health" ed. by A. Venket Rao and Leticia G. Rao

The chapters of this volume are arranged in the order from isolation, purification and identification to in vivo and clinical studies, there by covering not only the analytical procedures used but also their nutraceutical and therapeutic properties.

Global dietary recommendations emphasize the consumption of plant-based foods for the prevention and management of chronic diseases. Plants contain many biologically active compounds referred to as phytochemicals or functional ingredients. These compounds play an important role in human health. Prior to establishing the safety and health benefits of these compounds, they must first be isolated, purified, and their physico-chemical properties established. Once identified, their mechanisms of actions are studied.

Contents
Preface
1 The Phytochemical Constitution of Maltese Medicinal Plants – Propagation, Isolation and Pharmacological Testing
2 Phytochemicals in Antitumor Herbs and Herbal Formulas
3 Advances in Studies of Vernonanthura patens (Kunth) H. Rob. Growing in Ecuador
4 Phytochemical Profile of Honey
5 Coumarins — An Important Class of Phytochemicals
6 Quinolines, Isoquinolines, Angustureine, and Congeneric Alkaloids — Occurrence, Chemistry, and Biological Activity
7 Aspidosperma Terpenoid Alkaloids — Biosynthetic Origin, Chemical Synthesis and Importance
8 Bud Extracts as New Phytochemical Source for Herbal Preparations — Quality Control and Standardization by Analytical Fingerprint
9 Effects of Abiotic Stress (UV-C) Induced Activation of Phytochemicals on the Postharvest Quality of Horticultural Crops
10 Oxidative Stress and Antioxidants in the Risk of Osteoporosis — Role of Phytochemical Antioxidants Lycopene and Polyphenol-containing Nutritional Supplements
11 Phytochemicals and Cancer – Possible Molecular Targets of Phytochemicals in Cancer Prevention and Therapy
12 Lead Compounds from Cucurbitaceae for the Treatment of Cancer
13 Green Tea Catechins for Prostate Cancer Chemoprevention
14 Eleutherine Plicata – Quinones and Antioxidant Activity