When introduced to the human body, bioactive metabolites produced by plants for self defense bind to particular biochemical targets, most notably to proteins involved in signaling by hormones and neurotransmitters. This, essentially, is the basis for the effects of herbal medicine. While herbal medicine preparations may act by complex synergistic interactions, molecular explanations of herbal medicine efficacy and side effects ultimately require definition of the biochemical targets of individual plant bioactive constituents.
Biochemical Targets of Plant Bioactive Compounds is a comprehensive and user-friendly reference guide to biochemical targets of plant defensive compounds. With 500 pages of tables, it presents a mine of succinctly summarized information relating to bioactive compound structures, plant sources, biochemical targets and physiological effects that can be readily accessed via chemical compound, plant genus, plant common name and subject indexes. With introductory chapters providing reviews of the structural diversity of plant defensive compounds and biochemistry, this book is an invaluable reference for biomedical professionals in the fields of alternative/complementary medicine, natural product chemistry, toxicology, pharmacology, and botany.
Plant Defensive Compounds and Their Biochemical Targets. Biochemistry - The Chemistry of Life. Neurotransmitter and Hormone-gated Ion Channels. Ion Pumps and Ligand and Voltage-gated Ion Channels. Plasma Membrane G Protein-coupled Receptors. Neurotransmitter Transporters and Converters. Cyclic Nucleotide-, Ca2+ and Nitric Oxide-based Signaling. Signal-regulated Protein Kinases. Gene Expression, Cell Divisiona and Apoptosis. Taste and Smell Perception, Pheromones and Semiochemicals. Agonsists and Antagonists of Cystolic Hormone Receptors. Polynucleotides, Polysaccharides, Phospholipids and Membranes. Inhibitors of Digestion and Metabolism. Anti-inflammatory, Antioxidant and Antidiabetic Plant Compounds.
