Pharmacologically Active Bioproducts

Nature has continuously provided mankind with a broad and structurally diverse of pharmacologically active compounds that have proved to be indispensable for the cure of deadly diseases or as lead structures for novel pharmaceuticals. The importance of natural bioproducts can be realized from their prominence in the over-the-counter and prescription drug market. The pharmaceutical industry continues to examine their potential as sources of novel medicinal compounds to identify novel growth factor, immuno-modulatory and potential anti-microbial activity. With the progress of new technologies, new avenues were opened to purify active components from natural products, to establish their chemical structure, and even to synthesize and/or modify them chemically. This book is intended to furnish the reader with vital information on pharmacologically active bioproducts. It is hoped that this book will encourage further research and understanding of all aspects of this intriguing and complex field.