Phytochemicals: Functions, Classifications and Biosynthesis

Editors: Habibu Tijjani, Uchenna Estella Odoh and Chukwuebuka Egbuna

To contribute a chapter to this book, please be in contact with Dr. Habibu Tijjani through: haatscific@gmail.com    

Book Description

Phytochemicals are important secondary plant metabolites. Phytochemicals are non-nutritive components of plant metabolism. Their synthesis are from distinctive biosynthetic pathways involving several enzymatic reactions. Several phytochemicals have been identified and classified base on their physical and chemical characteristics, while several others are being identified and characterized. They are important components of medicinal plants obtained from leaves, stems, fruits, stem barks, roots, and oils. Phytochemicals have shown tremendous effects on health and well beings; some have been studied extensively and are in use for the treatment of various diseases. The functions, classifications, biosynthesis and medicinal importance of alkaloids, anthocyanidins, saponins, anthraquinones, lignans, flavonoids, steroids, glycosides, terpenoids, and phenolics are discussed.

This book aims to provide readers with in-depth knowledge of phytochemicals, their biosynthesis, classification and biological functions. The book will be handy for researchers and students, industries and pharmaceutical and nutraceutical companies.

Key Features

Provides an in-depth outline of the classification of phytochemicals

Details biosynthesis guide

Discuses the biochemical functions of phytochemicals

Table of Contents

1. Overview of phytochemicals
2. Classification of phytochemicals
3. Biosynthesis of alkaloids
4. Biosynthesis of anthocyanins
5. Biosynthesis of anthraquinones
6. Biosynthesis of flavonoids
7. Biosynthesis of glycosides
8. Biosynthesis of lignan
9. Biosynthesis of phenolics
10. Biosynthesis of saponins
11. Biosynthesis of steroids
12. Biosynthesis of terpenoids
13. Toxicity and safety of phytochemicals
14. Overview of drugs with phytochemical origin
15. Phytochemicals: Their role in good health