BookMuhammad Zia-Ul-Haq, Saikat Dewanjee, Muhammad Riaz, editors.
Summary: Plants produce chemicals as part of their normal metabolic activities. These include primary metabolites found in all plants, such as sugars and fats, as well as secondary metabolites, which can have therapeutic effects in humans and be refined to produce drugs. Plants synthesize a bewildering variety of phytochemicals, but most are derivatives of a few biochemical motifs. Numerous herbal-derived substances have been evaluated for their therapeutic potential. These include alkaloids, coumarins, saponins, plant pigments and flavonoids. Flavonoids, carotenoids and anthocyanins are probably the best known of these substances due to their antioxidant properties. Carotenoids: Structure and Function in the Human Body presents comprehensive coverage of carotenoids. The text covers the scientific literature and clinical significance of this organic pigment, with an emphasis on its therapeutic potential. The authors approach carotenoids from a range of perspectives, from their structural and physicochemical properties to their distribution in nature, interaction with the human metabolism, and use as a coloring agent in various products. The intake, metabolism and secretion of anthocyanins in the human body are covered in-depth, as are the biosynthetic pathways through which these compounds are synthesized in the natural system. Factors affecting stability and extraction are listed, and health-related uses and biological activities are covered in great detail. Present and future trends in carotenoid research are also presented. This book provides a solid background in carotenoids for researchers and professionals in food science, food technology, nutrition, biology, chemistry and medical sciences.
Contents:
Historical and introductory aspects of carotenoids
Chemistry of carotenoids
Carotenoids synthesis and isomerism
Apocarotenoids
Role of carotenoids in photosynthesis
Carotenoids as coloring agents
Effect of processing on foods containing carotenoids
Stability of carotenoids
Analysis of carotenoids
Carotenoids fortification
Metabolism of carotenoids
Carotenoids as antioxidants
Carotenoids as anticancer agents
Carotenoids as antidiabetic agents
Carotenoids as antiparkinson agents
Role of carotenoids in neurological diseases
Carotenoids as antiobesity agents
Carotenoids in liver and lung diseases
Eye sight and carotenoids
Carotenoids and cardiovascular diseases
Carotenoids and bone health
Carotenoids and periodontal diseases
Carotenoids and skin diseases
Application of carotenoids in cosmetics
Carotenoids in women and infant health
Provitamin A carotenoids
Commercialization and marketing potential of carotenoids
Past, present and future of carotenoid research.