remedies from the Balkan Peninsula. The plants described in this chapter have a long tradition of being used in folk medicine. These plants were first used extensively for the treatment of wounds and various injuries, and their application was mainly based on their anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and keratolytic activity. The achieved results justified their utilization in traditional medicine, but also show their great potential for inclusion in modern preparations and official medication.
Chapter 6 discusses the production and application of bioactive peptides from plants, with a focus on their biological properties. The chapter deals with studies evaluating the production processes, functionality, and application of peptides, which provide more information on these peptides as important agents that have the potential to be used in medical, pharmaceutical, and food industries.
Chapter 7 deals with flavonoids and their potential in cancer treatment. The aim of this chapter is to generate various ideas that may be helpful in developing effective dietary strategies for cancer patients to manage and treat the disease.
Chapter 8 reports the use of phytomedicines, either by using extracts or different formulations, which is a long-standing practice for the management of contagious ailments. A powerful natural alternative in the form of phytomedicine may provide a sustainable and cost-effective solution.
Chapter 9 discusses the various traditional herbal remedies for male infertility. Various clinical and representative studies in animal or human models or in vitro are described that were found to be useful to estimate the broad potential aspects of medicinal herbs used in traditional practices to treat male infertility.
Chapter 10 highlights the current information available on phytopharmaceuticals used in dentistry. In light of scientific studies on the benefits of plant derivatives, information about integrating phytopharmaceuticals with today’s technology in the treatment of oral diseases is provided for dentists and their patients.
Chapter 11 describes the effects of plant polyphenols, particularly resveratrol, EGCG, quercetin, and chlorogenic acid, on endothelial functions. The chapter provides the latest information on the mechanism underlying the effects of these polyphenols on vascular endothelial cells with respect to cardiovascular disease (CVD) prevention.
Chapter 12 sheds light on the paradoxical behavior of quercetin both in vitro and in vivo. It also determines the role quercetin plays in male reproductive system disorders. The future direction and limitation of quercetin for those with male reproductive dysfunction are also thoroughly discussed.
Chapter 13 focuses on various medical applications of Rubus species, their traditional uses, and the bioactive compounds responsible for their activities with special reference to cancer. The benefits derived from raspberry consumption have been attributed to their polyphenols, flavonoids, anthocyanins, ellagitannins, and vitamin C content. In-vitro studies conducted on the antioxidant capacity of Rubus species reported varying concentrations of phenolic compounds and their differential effects on cancer cells.
Chapter 14 incorporates the studies performed on the therapeutic effects of bioactive compounds derived from brown seaweeds. This review focuses on the structural diversity of these compounds and the molecular signal pathway mechanisms of their action. Also discussed is a therapeutic approach using both conventional anti-cancer drugs and these compounds as chemotherapeutic agents for the treatment of cancer.
Chapter 15 describes the role of various herbal extracts and plant compounds in polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). As treatment options for PCOS are currently very limited, offering only palliative care, this chapter demonstrates that phytochemicals from various medicinal plants possess the ability to reduce the adverse effects occurring from the consumption of pharmaceutical drugs.
Chapter 16 focuses on the potential of herbs in the field of neurological disorders. It deals with virtual screening for a prospective ligand that could provide phytopharmaceuticals of therapeutic importance for respective neurological diseases. In-silico studies suggest that these natural and safe ligands can be used with fewer or no complications or side effects.
Chapter 17 highlights the role of the endocannabinoid system in controlling the immunological response, history, traditional uses and chemistry of cannabinoids. The authors report on the molecular pharmacology of two important constituents of cannabis, Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol, which could be better agents for the management of autoimmune diseases.
Chapter 18 evaluates Rheum emodi Wall, a medicinal herb belonging to the family Polygonaceae. The botanical and taxonomic status of R. emodi is discussed, highlighting its origin and geographical distribution, and enlisting its various phytoconstituents and pharmaceutical potential.
Chapter 19 covers the genus Alseodaphne belonging to the family Lauraceae (the fifth largest botanical family). The authors selected eight members of this genus and discuss the botany, taxonomic status, origin and geographical distribution of each species. Species-wise phytoconstituents and pharmaceutically active metabolites were also enlisted.
Chapter 20 provides information about the chemical constituents of Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi, its potential application as a bioactive compound in food, and its health benefits.
Chapter 21 focuses on the fruit of Nephelium lappaceum L., more specifically on its centesimal composition, phytochemical content and biological properties. In particular, the antioxidant, antimicrobial, antidiabetogenic, anti-obesogenic, other health improvements and toxicological characteristics are described.
Chapter 22 highlights the significant role that phytopharmaceuticals play in leading a healthy life and their positive impact on human health by arranging them in routine diets. It is our hope that this book will encourage those working in the fields of science, medicine and industry to work on phytomedicines that may lead to potent and effective phytomedicine. The future prospects of herbal medicine signify that plant products may unlock the remedies for dangerous diseases or disorders.
Last, but not least, we would like to express our sincere gratitude to all the authors who took time away from their busy schedules to be part of this venture and contributed wonderful chapters that added both depth and worth to this book. Special thanks to our families for their sustenance and inspiration. Our special thanks to Dr. Nagendra Singh Chauhan (husband of Durgesh Nandini Chauhan), Ritu Shah (wife of Dr. Kamal Shah) and kids Ishita, Harshita, Khushi and Agam. We would like to acknowledge the publishing and production team at Scrivener Publishing, especially Linda Mohr and Martin Scrivener, for their generous, skillful, and inspiring management. We welcome suggestions and criticisms from our readers.
