Introduction to Plant-Based Latex

Phytochemistry, Ethnopharmacology, Biological, and Pharmacological Activities
1. Auflage 2025
ISBN: 978-981-5129-12-0
Verlag: Jenny Stanford Publishing

Buch, Englisch, 484 Seiten, Format (B × H): 152 mm x 229 mm

Latex-bearing plants have been known for their contribution to human health. Latex, a complex mixture produced in some plants, acts as a reservoir of secondary metabolites with high medicinal value. This semisolid exudation from plants contains several chemical components that are synthesized via different biosynthetic pathways and acts as their first line of defense. Recently, chemical components derived from natural plant latex and their synthetic analogs have been used in medicine as analgesics, antimicrobial agents, antiproliferatives, and anticancer drugs. Several ethnobotanical studies of latex plants have revealed the pharmacological potential of latex. However, the continuous exploitation of laticiferous plants for industrial and medicinal use has placed them at risk of extinction. Thus, several researchers have developed potential cultivation methods to conserve these plants.

This book presents the uses of latex and discusses prospects for its potential utilization in the pharmaceutical sector, agriculture, and industry. The recent advancement in plant-based latex has accelerated the development in all areas of natural products. This book illustrates cutting-edge advances in the field of plant-based latex and is a useful reference for teachers, undergraduate and postgraduate students, research scholars, and general readers.

Zielgruppe

Academic and Postgraduate

Autoren/Hrsg.

Al-Harrasi, Ahmed

Bhatia, Saurabh

Sharma, Ajay

Khodaie, Laleh

Fachgebiete

• Naturwissenschaften Biowissenschaften Botanik
• Naturwissenschaften Biowissenschaften Biowissenschaften
• Medizin | Veterinärmedizin Medizin | Public Health | Pharmazie | Zahnmedizin Medizinische Fachgebiete Pharmakologie, Toxikologie

Inhaltsverzeichnis

1. Occurrence, Habitat, Distribution, and Traditional Uses of Laticiferous Plants 2. Production and Function of Latex within Latex-Bearing Plants 3. Chemistry of Latex 4. Processing of Herbal Latex 5. Pharmacology of Natural Latex 6. Drug Discovery, Commercial Applications, Regulations, Safety and Toxicity of Latexes

Über Autor(innen)

Laleh Khodaie is an associate professor at the Department of Pharmacognosy, School of Pharmacy, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Iran. She has authored more than 50 peer-reviewed international publications. Her area of research includes phytochemistry, natural products, natural medicine, drug discovery and development from natural sources, and Persian traditional and herbal medicine.

Ajay Sharma is a professor at the Department of Pharmacognosy, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Delhi Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research University, India. He has more than 15 years of teaching and research experience and has published more than 60 research articles in peer-reviewed journals. Dr Sharma’s area of research includes drug discovery and development from natural sources, ethnopharmacology, natural product chemistry, metabolomics, plant biotechnology, and bioactivity-guided fractionation and bioconversions.

Saurabh Bhatia is an associate professor at the Natural and Medical Sciences Research Centre, University of Nizwa, Oman. He has published 127 refereed journal articles and 94 book chapters. Dr Bhatia has also authored 10 books and is an associate editor of several international journals.

Ahmed Al-Harrasi is a professor of organic chemistry and vice chancellor for graduate studies, research and external relations at the University of Nizwa, Oman. He is a founder and chair of the Natural and Medical Sciences Research Center at the university. He is a member of the Scientific Council of UNESCO and has been among the top 2% scientists for the past three years. Dr Al-Harrasi has authored more than 800 scientific papers and more than 20 books and book chapters. He is a recipient of the Order of Royal Commendation from His Majesty, The Sultan of Oman, as an outstanding Omani individual for his remarkable contribution and active role in research.