This book covers the current research on the plant-based tropane alkaloids (TA) and TA-bearing plants. The first part includes an overview of “tropane alkaloids in context to diversity, biosynthesis and significance. The second part covers aspects of in-vitro and allied interventions in these alkaloids. TAs belong to one of the world’s oldest phytomedicines with their valuable ethno-pharmacological applications. The book compiles scientific ideas, perspectives and challenges in this area. Further, the book attempts to investigate the loopholes in existing methodologies, challenges and possible solutions through well thought-out scientific discussions from various eminent research groups. This book is of high interest to students and researchers in biotechnology, plant biology and pharmacology. As the TAs are of high commercial medicinal value, this book is also a relevant collection of articles for industry experts.

Between March and April 2019, many cases of suspected food poisoning were reported by health care workers in the Karamoja region of the Republic of Uganda. Consumption of food products that had high levels of tropane alkaloids was identified as the cause. This group of compounds occur in several plant genera that belong to the Solanaceae family and can contaminate staples like cereals and grains. Given the absence of international guidance and regulations, a Joint FAO/WHO Expert Meeting on Tropane Alkaloids was convened remotely between 30 March – 3 April 2020. This publication captures the discussions of the expert meeting and provides risks assessments of tropane alkaloids (hyoscyamine and scopolamine) as well as recommendations outlining appropriate risk management options.

The alkaloids were of great importance to mankind for centuries, long before they were recognized as a chemical class. The influence they have had on literature is hinted at by some of the quotations I have used as chapter headings. Their in fluence on folklore and on medicine has been even greater. The scientific study of alkaloids may be said to have begun with the isolation of morphine by SERTURNER in 1804. Since that time they have remained of great interest to chemists, and now in any month there appear dozens of publications dealing with the isolation of new alkaloids or the determination of the structures of previously known ones. The area of alkaloid biochemistry, in comparison, has received little attention, and today is much less developed. There is a certain amount of personal arbitrariness in defining "biochemistry", as there is in defining "alkaloid", and this arbitrariness is doubtless compounded by the combination. Nevertheless, it seems to me that in any consideration of the bio chemistry of a group of compounds three aspects are always worthy of attention pathways of biosynthesis, function or activity, and pathways of degradation. For the alkaloids, treatment of these three aspects is necessarily lopsided. Much has been learned about routes of biosynthesis, but information on the other aspects is very scanty. It would be possible to enter into some speculation regarding the biosyn thesis of all the more than 1,000 known alkaloids.

This book presents all important aspects of modern alkaloid chemistry, making it the only work of its kind to offer up-to-date and comprehensive coverage. While the first part concentrates on the structure and biology of bioactive alkaloids, the second one analyzes new trends in alkaloid isolation and structure elucidation, as well as in alkaloid synthesis and biosynthesis. A must for biochemists, organic, natural products, and medicinal chemists, as well as pharmacologists, pharmaceutists, and those working in the pharmaceutical industry.

"Alkaloids" is intended for by chemistry, biochemistry, pharmacy, and other medical students, biologists, chemists, biochemists, and other professionals involved in the field of alkaloids. All chapters in this book are written by professionals in the areas of alkaloid chemistry, biology, pharmacy, and other interesting applications. The chapters cover interesting and less obvious information about different groups of alkaloids.

Focusing on biosynthesis, this book provides readers with approaches and methodologies for modern organic synthesis. By discussing major biosynthetic pathways and their chemical reactions, transformations, and natural products applications; it links biosynthetic mechanisms and more efficient total synthesis. • Describes four major biosynthetic pathways (acetate, mevalonate, shikimic acid, and mixed pathways and alkaloids) and their related mechanisms • Covers reactions, tactics, and strategies for chemical transformations, linking biosynthetic processes and total synthesis • Includes strategies for optimal synthetic plans and introduces a modern molecular approach to natural product synthesis and applications • Acts as a key reference for industry and academic readers looking to advance knowledge in classical total synthesis, organic synthesis, and future directions in the field

The Alkaloids: Chemistry and Physiology, Volume V: Pharmacology deals with the chemistry and pharmacology of the alkaloids. This book discusses the general pharmacology of morphine, cryptopine-like compounds, toad poisons, and respiratory stimulants. The appraisal of the utility of alkaloids as antimalarials, uterine stimulants, metabolism of cocaine, and optical isomerism-activity relationship are also elaborated. This publication likewise covers the parasympathetic blocking agents as mydriatics, methods of measuring mydriatic activity, alkaloids exhibiting curariform activity, and minor alkaloids of unknown structure. Other topics include the fate of morphine, tropane group, factors affecting cocaine anesthesia, and sympathomimetic mydriatics. This volume is intended for chemists and pharmacologists concerned with alkaloids.

Comprehensive Natural Products III, Third Edition, Seven Volume Set updates and complements the previous two editions, including recent advances in cofactor chemistry, structural diversity of natural products and secondary metabolites, enzymes and enzyme mechanisms and new bioinformatics tools. Natural products research is a dynamic discipline at the intersection of chemistry and biology concerned with isolation, identification, structure elucidation, and chemical characteristics of naturally occurring compounds such as pheromones, carbohydrates, nucleic acids and enzymes. This book reviews the accumulated efforts of chemical and biological research to understand living organisms and their distinctive effects on health and medicine and to stimulate new ideas among the established natural products community. Provides readers with an in-depth review of current natural products research and a critical insight into the future direction of the field Bridges the gap in knowledge by covering developments in the field since the second edition published in 2010 Split into 7 sections on key topics to allow students, researchers and professionals to find relevant information quickly and easily Ensures that the knowledge within is easily understood by and applicable to a large audience

Not since the late 1970s has a single work presented the biology of this heterogenous group of secondary alkaloids in such depth. Alkaloids, a unique treatise featuring leaders in the field, presents both the historical use of alkaloids and the latest discoveries in the biochemistry of alkaloid production in plants alkaloid ecology, including marine invertebrates, animal and plant parasites, and alkaloids as antimicrobial and current medicinal use . Highlights include chapters on the chemical ecology of alkaloids in host-predator interactions, and on the compartmentation of alkaloids synthesis, transport, and storage. Extensive cross-referencing in tabular format makes this volume an excellent reference.

Brain imaging technology remains at the forefront of advances in both our understanding of the brain and our ability to diagnose and treat brain disease and disorders. Imaging of the Human Brain in Health and Disease examines the localization of neurotransmitter receptors in the nervous system of normal, healthy humans and compares that with humans who are suffering from various neurologic diseases. Opening chapters introduce the basic science of imaging neurotransmitters, including sigma, acetylcholine, opioid, and dopamine receptors. Imaging the healthy and diseased brain includes brain imaging of anger, pain, autism, the release of dopamine, the impact of cannabinoids, and Alzheimer's disease. This book is a valuable companion to a wide range of scholars, students, and researchers in neuroscience, clinical neurology, and psychiatry, and provides a detailed introduction to the application of advanced imaging to the treatment of brain disorders and disease. - A focused introduction to imaging healthy and diseased brains - Focuses on the primary neurotransmitter release - Includes sigma, acetylcholine, opioid, and dopamine receptors - Presents the imaging of healthy and diseased brains via anger, pain, autism, and Alzheimer's disease