This unique text provides comprehensive coverage of betalains, outlining the specific makeup and uses of this plant. The chapters provide deep insight into the biosynthesis, structures, pharmacokinetics, stability, extraction, health benefits and occurrence in nature of betalains. As the first major reference work to focus specifically on betalains, this book serves as an important reference for any researcher looking for insights into the use of betalains as functional foods, food coloring agents, and nutraceuticals. Betalains: Biomolecular Aspects outlines the chemical structure of betalains, including their occurrence in nature. The utilization of of these plants as natural color in food and beverages is covered in depth, as are the intake and secretion of betalains in the human body. The various factors affecting the stability of betalains are described, including their stability when used in food products. Current health related uses for these plants are outlined, including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory uses. The isolation and purification of these plants, plus analysis techniques, are outlined. In providing extensive coverage of betalains and their uses, this text presents a singular work which is of major value for a wide range of researchers.

This research volume examines the available alternative, complementary, pharmaceutical and vaccine methods for treating, mitigating, or preventing COVID-19. Coverage includes traditional Chinese medicine, herbal remedies, nutraceutical/dietary options, and drug/vaccine therapies. All the methods discussed will be critically examined to provide readers with a full, unbiased overview that includes pros/cons of each method. While the nature of COVID-19 is still being studied, and new research and theories are being published daily, this book endeavors to provide readers with a comprehensive summary of current research on alternative and mainstream treatment and prevention methods.

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.

This Brief presents comprehensive coverage of anthocyanins. The text covers the scientific literature and clinical significance of this Flavonoid sub-group, with a special focus on their therapeutic aspects. In focusing on secondary metabolites in plants, this work aims to cover the resulting therapeutic potential for humans by referencing the numerous herbal-derived substances which have been evaluated and the rapidly growing data on the interactions of anthocyanins with the microbiome. Anthocyanins and Human Health: Biomolecular and therapeutic aspects covers all angles of biomolecular, in vitro and in vivo anthocyanins from their general chemical structure to their use as a coloring agent. 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 anthocyanins research are also presented.

Medicinal and aromatic crops (MACs) are high-value crops since the natural products obtained from them are low-volume high-value commodities that have numerous applications in various sectors such as the food, beverage, food supplement, flavor and fragrance, perfumery and cosmetics, pharmaceutical and aromatherapy industries. In addition, the plant biomass is used in the production of teas and medical applications in traditional and also modern medicines. MACs are important mainly because they contain plant secondary metabolites such as essential oils, alkaloids, glygosides, saponins, tannins, vitamins and other bioactives. Plant secondary metabolites are differentiated from plant primary metabolites of photosynthesis and respiration since they are directly involved in growth and development of plants.  Some MACs are used as spices and culinary herbs since they contain mainly essential oils, and are used as tonic to the digestive system, appetite modification and other systems and may facilitate nutrient uptake and utilization from various foods. A significant amount of MACs and their natural products have also demonstrated antimicrobial, antifungal and bactericidal activity and significant antioxidant capacity. In the past, MACs and their natural products have been used as a source for various medicines, in food and beverage production and in aroma products. Essentials of Medicinal and Aromatic Crops summarizes the current knowledge on medicinal and aromatic crops, including the agronomical practices of important MACs and their products, their beneficial effects and utilization of MAP and their products. The chapters provide a comprehensive guide to the most important and used medicinal and aromatic crops and their use in functional foods, nutraceuticals and as bioactives against various ailments, providing researchers, teachers, chemists, food scientists, agronomists and agroecologists in academia, industry and government a fully up to date singular source on this important topic. 

This research volume examines the available alternative, complementary, pharmaceutical and vaccine methods for treating, mitigating, or preventing COVID-19. Coverage includes traditional Chinese medicine, herbal remedies, nutraceutical/dietary options, and drug/vaccine therapies. All the methods discussed will be critically examined to provide readers with a full, unbiased overview that includes pros/cons of each method. While the nature of COVID-19 is still being studied, and new research and theories are being published daily, this book endeavors to provide readers with a comprehensive summary of current research on alternative and mainstream treatment and prevention methods.

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.

This unique text provides comprehensive coverage of betalains, outlining the specific makeup and uses of this plant. The chapters provide deep insight into the biosynthesis, structures, pharmacokinetics, stability, extraction, health benefits and occurrence in nature of betalains. As the first major reference work to focus specifically on betalains, this book serves as an important reference for any researcher looking for insights into the use of betalains as functional foods, food coloring agents, and nutraceuticals. Betalains: Biomolecular Aspects outlines the chemical structure of betalains, including their occurrence in nature. The utilization of of these plants as natural color in food and beverages is covered in depth, as are the intake and secretion of betalains in the human body. The various factors affecting the stability of betalains are described, including their stability when used in food products. Current health related uses for these plants are outlined, including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory uses. The isolation and purification of these plants, plus analysis techniques, are outlined. In providing extensive coverage of betalains and their uses, this text presents a singular work which is of major value for a wide range of researchers.