The book provides valuable information on wild plants and their ethnopharmacological properties, discussion on ethnobotany, phytotherapy, diversity, chemical and pharmacological properties including antifungal, anti-inflammatory and antiprotozal properties. The chapters include a wide range of case studies, giving updated evidence on importance of wild plant resources from different countries including Nepal, India, Brazil, Chile, Argentina, Colombia, Egypt, Peru, etc. In addition, some specific species are used to explain their potential properties. Discussing traditional usage and pharmacological properties of wild plants, this book is entirely different from other related publications and useful for the researchers working in the areas of conservation biology, botany, ethnobiology, ethnopharmacology, policy making, etc.

Focuses on Myconanotechnology as an emerging branch of nanotechnology. Discusses diverse applications of biogenic nanoparticles in human and plant diseases, targeting multi-drug resistance problem, application as antioxidants, in cancer, nanofertilizers, nanonutrients, nanomedicine, etc. Incorporates the toxicity to environment and human and provides solutions.

This book offers a broad summary of the wild plants and their usage, as well as the growing interest in ethnopharmacology research. The book comprises of important issues such as diversity of wild plants with emphasis on medicinal and food plants, threats to wild plants and traditional ethnobotanical knowledge, their uses in skin diseases, snake-bites, in cosmeceuticals, etc. Moreover, the ethnopharmacological relevance of wild plants in Latin America has been discussed. The chapters include a wide range of case studies, giving updated evidence on the importance of their wild plant resources from different countries including Peru, Nepal, Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Brazil. In addition, some specific species are used to explain their potential properties, as well as the dangers of their use without guidance of trained natural healers. The book discusses traditional usage and properties of wild plants and is entirely different from other related publications and useful for the researchers working in the areas of conservation biology, botany, ethnobiology, ethnopharmacology, policymakers, etc.

Pythium is one of the most important phytopathogens causing significant damage to agriculture, forest, and nurseries, etc. It is an unseen enemy of the root zone of various plants and hence considered as "hidden terror" for a number of plants. An accurate diagnosis and identification of Pythium causing various infections in plants is very important because it is often confused with several other fungi. Pythium infections are difficult to control once they have set in. Therefore, its effective and ecofriendly management is of paramount importance. In addition, there are many reports on Pythium causing infections in human beings and animals. The present book on Pythium focuses on various aspects which mainly include pathogenesis, technological developments in detection and diagnosis, and its management. Key Features Includes identification of Pythium spp. by traditional and molecular methods Deals with different diseases caused by Pythium spp Describes the role of Pythium in mammalian diseases Incorporates various management strategies Discusses emerging role of nanotechnological tools for the management of Pythium diseases

There has been emergence of multidrug resistance problem all over the world due to overuse or underuse of antibiotics. Most microbes including bacteria, fungi, protozoans and others have developed resistance to antibiotics, and therefore, this problem is now recognized to be of global concern. Ubiquitous occurrence of multidrug-resistant bacteria decreases effectiveness of current treatment, which results in thousands of deaths all over the world. Hence, investigations for new alternatives and novel strategies are urgently needed to address the problem of multidrug resistance. The antimicrobial potential of essential oils and metallic nanoparticles represent an effective solution for microbial resistance. Moreover, the use of essential oils in combination with metallic nanoparticles may exert synergistic antimicrobial effects and would be a novel approach. Essential oils (EOs) are volatile, natural, aromatic oily liquids that can be obtained from several parts of plants especially the aerial ones such as leaves and flowers. They are derived from complex metabolic pathways in order to protect plants from diverse pathogenic microorganisms. In fact, the bioactivity of EOs have been confirmed by several studies which have demonstrated their antibacterial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, antifungal, antimutagenic, anticarcinogenic, and antioxidant properties. Nanotechnology is one of the most important and emerging technologies, which has brought about a technological revolution in the world. It has enormous applications in the field of medicine. Nanoparticles are very important tools in curing different diseases in general and microbial diseases in particular due to their significantly novel and improved chemical, physical and biological properties and high surface area-to-volume ratio. Among these, metal nanoparticles are known to play pivotal role in various biomedical applications. In this context, nanoparticles such as silver have shown their potential and could emerge as the new generation of antimicrobials. Silver nanoparticles have broad-spectrum biological activities and hence are used in many biomedical applications. The various biomedical applications of silver nanoparticles include treatment of wounds, burns, in water-disinfecting systems, in nanobased bone implantations, in dentistry for the development of dental materials and as antibacterial, antivirals, anti-protozoals, anti-arthropods and anticancerous agents. Apart from silver, noble metal nanoparticles like gold and platinum and other nanoparticles copper, oxides of different metals, etc. have been also the materials of choice for many scientists for their biological applications. The book will be of interest to chemists, microbiologists, biotechnologist, food technologists, nanotechnologists, pharmacologists, clinicians and those interested in nature cure. Students will find this book useful and reader friendly.

Ethnobotany includes the traditional use of plants in different fields like medicine and agriculture. This book incorporates important studies based on ethnobotany of different geographic zones. The book covers medicinaland aromatic plants, ethnopharmacology, bioactive molecules, plants used in cancer, hypertension, disorders of the central nervous system, and also as antipsoriatic, antibacterial, antioxidant, antiurolithiatic. The book will be useful for a diverse group of readers including plant scientists, pharmacologists, clinicians, herbalists, natural therapy experts, chemists, microbiologists, NGOs and those who are interested in traditional therapies.

Medicinal plants have been used in the prevention, diagnosis, and elimination of diseases based on the practical experience of thousands of years. There is a pressing need to initiate and transform laboratory research into fruitful formulations leading to the development of newer products for the cure of diseases such as AIDS, cancer, and hepatitis, as well as coping with multi-drug resistance problems. This book presents recent developments in the research on medicinal plants for different diseases, formulation of products, and market strategy.

This book provides an account of the biogenic synthesis of nanomaterials by using different microorganisms. The chapters are focused on the biosynthesis of various metal and metal oxide nanosized materials by using bacteria, actinomycetes, fungi, and algae, including mechanisms of microbial synthesis. Other chapters summarize recent developments of microbial-based nanostructures for the management of food-borne pathogens, plant pathogenic fungi, as nutrients, and biomedical applications. Microorganisms are discussed not only as biofactories for the synthesis of nanomaterials but also as removal agents of toxic metals from the environment. Exposure sources and ecotoxicity of microbially synthesized nanoparticles are also discussed.

There has been emergence of multidrug resistance problem all over the world due to overuse or underuse of antibiotics. Most microbes including bacteria, fungi, protozoans and others have developed resistance to antibiotics, and therefore, this problem is now recognized to be of global concern. Ubiquitous occurrence of multidrug-resistant bacteria decreases effectiveness of current treatment, which results in thousands of deaths all over the world. Hence, investigations for new alternatives and novel strategies are urgently needed to address the problem of multidrug resistance. The antimicrobial potential of essential oils and metallic nanoparticles represent an effective solution for microbial resistance. Moreover, the use of essential oils in combination with metallic nanoparticles may exert synergistic antimicrobial effects and would be a novel approach. Essential oils (EOs) are volatile, natural, aromatic oily liquids that can be obtained from several parts of plants especially the aerial ones such as leaves and flowers. They are derived from complex metabolic pathways in order to protect plants from diverse pathogenic microorganisms. In fact, the bioactivity of EOs have been confirmed by several studies which have demonstrated their antibacterial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, antifungal, antimutagenic, anticarcinogenic, and antioxidant properties. Nanotechnology is one of the most important and emerging technologies, which has brought about a technological revolution in the world. It has enormous applications in the field of medicine. Nanoparticles are very important tools in curing different diseases in general and microbial diseases in particular due to their significantly novel and improved chemical, physical and biological properties and high surface area-to-volume ratio. Among these, metal nanoparticles are known to play pivotal role in various biomedical applications. In this context, nanoparticles such as silver have shown their potential and could emerge as the new generation of antimicrobials. Silver nanoparticles have broad-spectrum biological activities and hence are used in many biomedical applications. The various biomedical applications of silver nanoparticles include treatment of wounds, burns, in water-disinfecting systems, in nanobased bone implantations, in dentistry for the development of dental materials and as antibacterial, antivirals, anti-protozoals, anti-arthropods and anticancerous agents. Apart from silver, noble metal nanoparticles like gold and platinum and other nanoparticles copper, oxides of different metals, etc. have been also the materials of choice for many scientists for their biological applications. The book will be of interest to chemists, microbiologists, biotechnologist, food technologists, nanotechnologists, pharmacologists, clinicians and those interested in nature cure. Students will find this book useful and reader friendly.

Mycotic keratitis, also known asfungal keratitis, is commonly defined as an inflammation of the cornea. Globally, mycotic keratitis is more common as compared to others eye disorders. Though it occurs in all parts of the world it is more prevalent in tropical and subtropical areas. Mycotic Keratitis emphasizes novel perspectives on mycotic keratitis treatments and addresses different therapies used in treatment. The book is designed to be immensely useful for the students and teachers of microbiology, medicine, mycology, ophthalmology, biotechnology and nanotechnology. Medical microbiology researchers in general and medical mycology in particular will find it a valuable user-friendly book.

Ethnobotany: Local Knowledge and Traditions discusses various plants that have actually been used in traditional medicine for a specific ailment. It desribes the biological effectiveness (activities) related to each "sickness" which have been scientifically verified. This book will also discuss the bioactivities established/determined that are promising and have potential. Finally, this book will be an appropriate consultation tool for scientists/professionals/experts such as ethnobotanists, botanists, cell/molecular biologists, chemists, pharmacists, pharmacologists, environmentalists/ecologists.

Among the roughly 30,000 species of fish, migratory species account for only 165 species, but most of them are very important fisheries resources. This book presents up-to-date innovative research results on the physiology and ecology of fish migration. It focuses on salmon, eels, lampreys, and bluefin tuna. The book examines migratory behavior, spawning, and behavioral ecology.

The book provides valuable information on wild plants and their ethnopharmacological properties, discussion on ethnobotany, phytotherapy, diversity, chemical and pharmacological properties including antifungal, anti-inflammatory and antiprotozal properties. The chapters include a wide range of case studies, giving updated evidence on importance of wild plant resources from different countries including Nepal, India, Brazil, Chile, Argentina, Colombia, Egypt, Peru, etc. In addition, some specific species are used to explain their potential properties. Discussing traditional usage and pharmacological properties of wild plants, this book is entirely different from other related publications and useful for the researchers working in the areas of conservation biology, botany, ethnobiology, ethnopharmacology, policy making, etc.

The identification of medically important fungi is an important area of study that warrants further research. The use of traditional and molecular methods of identification provides new insights into differentiation of species and ultimately the line of treatment can be determined. This book covers a diverse group of medically important fungi and diseases, including common dermatophytes, onychomycosis, Coccidiomycosis, Paracoccidioidomycosis, Mycotic keratitis, Sporotrichosis, Histoplasmosis and determination of identity of medically important fingi by uising modern techniques such as PCH and the use of MALDI-TOF: as a rapid and new approach in fungal diagnosis and differentiation.

This book offers a broad summary of the wild plants and their usage, as well as the growing interest in ethnopharmacology research. The book comprises of important issues such as diversity of wild plants with emphasis on medicinal and food plants, threats to wild plants and traditional ethnobotanical knowledge, their uses in skin diseases, snake-bites, in cosmeceuticals, etc. Moreover, the ethnopharmacological relevance of wild plants in Latin America has been discussed. The chapters include a wide range of case studies, giving updated evidence on the importance of their wild plant resources from different countries including Peru, Nepal, Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Brazil. In addition, some specific species are used to explain their potential properties, as well as the dangers of their use without guidance of trained natural healers. The book discusses traditional usage and properties of wild plants and is entirely different from other related publications and useful for the researchers working in the areas of conservation biology, botany, ethnobiology, ethnopharmacology, policymakers, etc.

Presenting recent discoveries on ethnomedicinal plants around the world, this book focuses on evaluating the progress to date as well as the future potential of drug development in ethnomedicine. Eight reviews examine therapeutic applications including the spasmolitic effects of various plants, the anti-inflammatory activity of plants from Brazil and Tunisia, common fertility treatments in Trinidad and Tobago, traditional medicines from Cameroon and their interaction with estrogen receptors, the medicinal plants used in Spain to treat digestion problems, immune-modulators and stimulators from plants, and antimicrobial herbs from India.

Presenting recent discoveries on ethnomedicinal plants around the world, this book focuses on evaluating the progress to date as well as the future potential of drug development in ethnomedicine. Eight reviews examine therapeutic applications including the spasmolitic effects of various plants, the anti-inflammatory activity of plants from Brazil and Tunisia, common fertility treatments in Trinidad and Tobago, traditional medicines from Cameroon and their interaction with estrogen receptors, the medicinal plants used in Spain to treat digestion problems, immune-modulators and stimulators from plants, and antimicrobial herbs from India.

Sharply focused, up-to-date information on microbial biofertilizers--including emerging options such as "Piriformospora indica" and "Matsutake" The Handbook of Microbial Biofertilizers provides in-depth coverage of all major microbial biofertilizers (rhizobia, arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, and cyanobacteriaas well as new and emerging growth promoters (endophytes). It examines the role of microbes in growth promotion, bioprotectors, and bioremidiators, and presents protocols and practical strategies for using microbes in sustainable agriculture. An abundance of helpful charts, tables, and figures make complex information easy to access and understand.In this first-of-its-kind volume, contributors from 11 countries and several continents address important issues surrounding microbial biofertilizers, including: the rhizobium-host-arbuscular mycorrhizal" tripartite relationship mycorrhiza as a disease suppresser and stress reducer mycorrhiza helping bacteria the impact of functional groups of soil microorganisms on nutrient turnover PBPRs as biofertilizers and biopesticides the potential of wild-legume rhizobia for use as a biofertilizers the expanding role of blue-green algae in sustainable agriculture the role of microbial fertilizers in sustainable plant production new and emerging endophytes the commercial potential of biofertilizersIn this young century, the use of biofertilizers is already growing rapidly. It has been recognized that these environment-friendly bioprotectors, growth boosters, and remediators are essential for soil/plant health. The Handbook of Microbial Biofertilizers is designed to fit the expanding information needs of current and future biotechnologists, microbiologists, botanists, agronomists, environmentalists, and others whose work involves sustained agriculture.

The identification of medically important fungi is an important area of study that warrants further research. The use of traditional and molecular methods of identification provides new insights into differentiation of species and ultimately the line of treatment can be determined. This book covers a diverse group of medically important fungi and diseases, including common dermatophytes, onychomycosis, Coccidiomycosis, Paracoccidioidomycosis, Mycotic keratitis, Sporotrichosis, Histoplasmosis and determination of identity of medically important fingi by uising modern techniques such as PCH and the use of MALDI-TOF: as a rapid and new approach in fungal diagnosis and differentiation.

Describes the biobased natural products to combat microbial diseases. Examines the antimicrobial potential of mushrooms, endophytes and secondary metabolites. Discusses the role of defensins and terpenes in microbial diseases. Incorporates natural products from Amazon for microbial diseases.

Nanotechnology Principles in Drug Targeting and Diagnosis focuses on the nanotechnology principles and mechanisms involved in drug targeting, nano carriers and target interactions associated with particular diseases. The book addresses how phytotherapeutics are effective against solid tumors and how they can be used in designing targeted delivery systems. Also addressed is the use of macrophages as the biomimetic carrier for targeting drugs to different organs. Sections cover the nanotechnology-based concepts in drug targeting, strategies for drug targeting, ways to identify drug carrier-target interaction, the concept of an artificial neural network in identifying drug-target interaction, and more. The book's final section concentrates on the role of nanotechnology in medical diagnosis, throwing light on nanoscale sensors for the diagnosis of viruses in the bloodstream and biomarkers indicating various cancers. This is an important reference source for materials scientists and pharmaceutical scientists who want to understand how nanotechnology plays an important role in creating more efficient drug targeting and delivery systems.

This book includes an international group of researchers who present the latest achievements in the field of enzyme, immune system, and microbial and nano-biosensors. It highlights the experimental evidence for formation of biological fuel cells (BFCs)-which has a dual purpose - as a device that produces electricity and the systems which produce it simultaneously cleaning up the environment from polluting organic compounds. Considering the work in the field of macro, micro and nano-biosensors, considerable attention is paid to the use of nanomaterials for the modification of working electrodes. Nanomaterials in some cases can significantly improve the parameters of analytical systems. Readers will be interested in the projection of the presented theoretical and experimental materials in the field of practical application of modern analytical developments. The presented results in many cases imply the possibility of using the created models of macro, micro and nano-biosensors, and biofuel elements in the field of health, and protection/restoration of the environment. It includes information about all existing types of transducers of signals in biosensors - electrochemical, optical and quantum-optics, thermoelectric, data of atomic force microscopy, piezoelectric, and more. On the basis of these principles, descriptions are given about the functioning of macro, micro and nano- biosensors for the detection of compounds used in medicine, detection of compounds that clog the environment, and thus affect human health, for compounds that are potentially the basis for the production of drugs, for the selection of compounds that have medicinal activity, for immunodetection, and to assess the quality of food. These questions form the basis of research carried out in the field of biosensors in the world. Since the described models of biosensors have high sensitivity, high measurement speed and selectivity, the described results attract the attention of both the ordinary reader and business class specialists who create and implement analytical technologies. This book is very useful for researchers in life sciences, chemical sciences, physics, and engineering. In addition, it will be useful for the persons working in industry. Advanced technologies specialists will be attracted by the novelty of the proposed solutions and their relevance and ease of implementation. Since the studies contain sections describing the parameters of different biosensors, BFCs, they are easily navigated into assessing the effectiveness of the practical use of the proposed device. The relevant sections indicate such characteristics as detection ranges, life span, type of biological material used, the method of formation of the bio-receptor part. These parameters are of interest to both developers of new models of biosensors and BFC, and their manufacturers.

Nanomaterial Recycling provides an update on the many benefits nanomaterials can provide on both environmental and economic issues. Sections cover the appropriate recycling strategies of nanowastes, nanowaste regulations (including nanowaste disposal and recycling standards), promising applications (reuses) of these recycled nanomaterials, and various methods used for the separation of nanoparticles, including (i) centrifugation, (ii)solvent evaporation, (iii) magnetic separation, (iv) using pH/thermal responsive materials, (v) molecular antisolvents, (vi) nanostructured colloidal solvents, and more. This book is an important reference source for materials scientists and engineers who are seeking to increase their understanding of nanomaterials, recycling processes and techniques. As nanomaterials can be recycled from both new/pure products (from nano manufacturing) and used products (nano waste: waste from nano integrated products), this book is a welcomed addition to many disciplines.

This book is an amalgamation of knowledge, experience, and expertise in various aspects of nanotechnology, by experts who are proficient in designing of novel nanoformulations that are used in the treatment of various challenging and prevalent diseases. It is an exhaustive compilation of the multi-faceted arena of nanoformulations and the healthcare system that caters to the needs of academicians, scholars, researchers etc. The most important aspect of the book covers various types of nanoformulations and their applications in treatment of communicable and non-communicable diseases. Each chapter focuses on a particular nanoformulation as well as a disease including the pathophysiology of the disease, the current treatment modalities of diseases, the role of nanoformulation in treatment and other future aspects and directions for further work. Coverage includes neuropathic pain, colon targeting, nose-to-brain drug delivery, skin cancer, arthritis and tuberculosis.

The main goal of the present book is to deal with the role of nanobiotechnology in skin, soft tissue and bone infections since it is difficult to treat the infections due to the development of resistance in them against existing antibiotics. The present interdisciplinary book is very useful for a diverse group of readers including nanotechnologists, medical microbiologists, dermatologists, osteologists, biotechnologists, bioengineers. Nanotechnology in Skin, Soft-Tissue, and Bone Infections is divided into four sections: Section I- includes role of nanotechnology in skin infections such as atopic dermatitis, and nanomaterials for combating infections caused by bacteria and fungi. Section II- incorporates how nanotechnology can be used for soft-tissue infections such as diabetic foot ulcer and other wound infections; Section III- discusses about the nanomaterials in artificial scaffolds bone engineering and bone infections caused by bacteria and fungi; and also about the toxicity issues generated by the nanomaterials in general and nanoparticles in particular. The readers will be immensely enriched by the knowledge of new and emerging nanobiotechnologies in a variety of platforms.