Steroids are an important class of biomolecules with diverse roles and functions. Besides being important as structural and signaling molecules, these molecules hold promise against numerous disorders, including cardiovascular conditions, cancer, inflammation and autoimmune disorders. Many investigations have demonstrated that steroidal frameworks may provide lipid solubility, receptor selectivity or membrane binding properties to non-steroidal pharmacophores. However, the therapeutic use of steroids can be dangerous when they're used incorrectly. Additionally, misconceptions about steroids among athletes or recreational users can lead to steroid abuse and poor health outcomes. Steroids and their Medicinal Potential discusses the classification, distribution, biosynthesis, chemical synthesis and semi-synthesis of different steroids. The medicinal potential of each class is exhaustively discussed in different chapters. The latest advances and developments in steroid-based drug discovery are also discussed thoroughly. The book aims to address general questions and concerns about steroids, providing readers a useful resource on the subject. Key Features -Provides comprehensive coverage on all aspects of steroids including steroid chemistry, biochemistry, medicinal potential, drug discovery and advances in target-binding interactions of steroid-based drugs -Includes chapters dedicated to anabolic steroids and their abuse -Designed as an accessible source of information for understanding steroidal drugs with structured chapters -Includes references for advanced readers

Increased industrial and agricultural activity has led to the contamination of the earth's soil and groundwater resources with hazardous chemicals. The presence of heavy metals, dyes, fluorides, dissolved solids, and many other pollutants used in industry and agriculture are responsible for hazardous levels of water pollution. The removal of these pollutants in water resources is challenging. Bioremediation is a new technique that employs living organisms, usually bacteria and fungi, to remove pollutants from soil and water, preferably in situ. This approach is more cost-effective than traditional techniques, such as the incineration of soils and carbon filtration of water. It requires understanding how organisms consume and transform polluting chemicals, survive in polluted environments, and how they should be employed in the field. Bioremediation for Environmental Pollutants discusses the latest research in green chemistry and practices and principles involved in the quality improvement of water by remediation. It covers different aspects of environmental problems and their remedies with up-to-date developments in the field of bioremediation of industrial/environmental pollutants. Volume 2 explains the methods used to control the remediation processes making it cost-effectively and feasible. It elaborates on the application of microbial enzymes, microalgae, and genetically engineered microorganisms in the bioremediation of significant pollutants, food wastes, distillery wastewater, and pharmaceutical wastes.

Mushrooms: A Wealth of Nutraceuticals and An Agent of Bioremediation informs readers about the growing role of mycotherapy and fungal biotechnology for a sustainable future. It presents reviews of efficient treatment strategies for different diseases with the help of mushrooms and derived nutraceuticals. This book also highlights efficient bioremediation strategies exhibited by common mushrooms. Starting with topics on the nutritional and medicinal values of various edible and non-edible mushrooms, the contributors explore their bioactive components. The book progressively covers the antidiabetic, anticancer and antimcrobial potential of mushrooms. The contents are rounded up by reviews of the application of fungal xylanase enzymes and bioremediation of heavy metals from the environment. This is a comprehensive reference for researchers interested in working in the field of applied mycology for nutraceuticals and environmental bioremediation for pollution control.

Increased industrial and agricultural activity has led to the contamination of the earth's soil and groundwater resources with hazardous chemicals. The presence of heavy metals, dyes, fluorides, dissolved solids, and many other pollutants used in industry and agriculture are responsible for hazardous levels of water pollution. The removal of these pollutants in water resources is challenging. Bioremediation is a new technique that employs living organisms, usually bacteria and fungi, to remove pollutants from soil and water, preferably in situ. This approach is more cost-effective than traditional techniques, such as incineration of soils and carbon filtration of water. It requires understanding how organisms consume and transform polluting chemicals, survive in polluted environments, and how they should be employed in the field. Bioremediation for Environmental Pollutants discusses the latest research in green chemistry and practices and principles involved in quality improvement of water by remediation. It covers different aspects of environmental problems and their remedies with up-to-date developments in the field of bioremediation of industrial/environmental pollutants. Volume 1 focuses on the bioremediation of heavy metals, pesticides, textile dyes removal, petroleum hydrocarbon, microplastics and plastics.

Mycosporine-like amino acids (MAAs), have the property of absorbing ultraviolet rays, and are widely used as active ingredients in cosmetics such as sunscreens. They also have many bioactive properties that make them an attractive ingredient for pharmaceuticals and functional food. This book summarizes information about the molecular structures, activities and applications of mycosporine-like amino acids (MAAs). It aims to be an introductory book for undergraduate and graduate students in applied sciences, or as a handbook for researchers in pharmaceutical chemistry and cosmetics. Key features - 11 structured chapters covering the biochemistry of MAAs - Introduces readers to biochemical and synthetic pathways of MAAs - Presents information on many bioactive properties of MAAs including helioprotective, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anti-collagenase effects - Simple, clear explanations for learners - Academic and scholarly references for advanced readers - Illustrated appendices

Taurine, or 2-aminoethanesulfonic acid, is one of the most abundant sulfur-containing amino acids in the human body. It is found in the heart, brain, retina, and skeletal muscles, and is synthesized in the pancreas. Studies have revealed that taurine is of high physiological importance: it protects against pathologies associated with mitochondrial diseases, and linked processes like aging, metabolic syndrome, cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and neurological disorders. It is also used as a nutritional supplement. Taurine and the Mitochondrion: Applications in the Pharmacotherapy of Human Diseases explores the significance of taurine in the biology of mitochondria. It also explains its role as a pharmacological agent for treating different diseases. Readers will gain an insight into the crucial role it plays in human physiology and the benefits of taurine supplements. Topics covered in this reference include - Synthesis of taurine and its dietary sources - The Role of taurine in mitochondrial health - Taurine as a neurotransmitter - Beneficial effects of taurine in physiological systems such as the reproductive system, renal system, and the gastrointestinal tract - Hepatoprotective and anti-inflammatory properties of taurine - The anti-aging promise of taurine supplementation - Role of taurine supplementation in obesity

Extremophiles: Diversity, Adaptation and Applications brings up-to-date knowledge about different types of extremophiles, the fascinating group of microorganisms that love to live in extreme environmental conditions. The book consists of fourteen chapters, of which, the first provides an overview of all the major types of extremophiles and the relationship with their respective extreme environments. The chapters following this introduction explain the diversity of prokaryotes based on environmental conditions, adaptation mechanisms, and industrial applications. The book concludes with a summary of the diverse biotechnological and industrial applications of extremophiles, emphasizing the importance of these microorganisms for human welfare. The book is intended as a primary textbook reference that enriches the knowledge base of scholars in the field of microbiology and biotechnology. It can also serve as a secondary reference for anyone who is interested in research on extremophiles. Key Features: - Covers all the major types of extremophiles, including hyperthermophiles, psychrophiles, halophiles, acidophiles, alkaliphiles, xerophiles, oligotrophs, chemolithotrophs, anaerobes and others - Provides a fundamental overview of the microbiology of extreme environments - Supplements fundamentals with information about industrial and scientific applications - Presents information in a simple structured format suitable for learners - Includes references for further reading

The queen honey bee is known to mate with multiple drones, and can produce over a million offspring in its lifetime. Its presence is vital to the growth and survival of a beehive. This reference book is a detailed guide to queen honey bees. The book starts by providing deep insights into the fascinating biology of the queen honey bees, their morphometric features, developmental synchronicity, genetics, hormones, pheromones, colonial organization and swarming. Further, the book describes artificial queen rearing techniques that facilitate healthy bee colony growth and increase apiculture productivity. The book equips readers with all the knowledge they need to know about queen bee development, their role in the colony and improving the health of their colony. Key Features - 14 reader-friendly chapters that comprehensively present information about queen honey bees - Comprehensive coverage about queen bee biology, including their physical morphology, genetics, proteomics, development and behavior (including worker and drone interactions) - Information about the role of queen bees in colonial organization and life-cycle events - Practical information that helps to improve bee colony health for research and apiculture (disease mechanisms and control, artificial breeding) The book is an essential primary reference on queen honey bees for biology and entomology students, academicians and researchers at all educational levels. Apiculturists, bee keeping enthusiasts, and general readers interested in honey bees can also benefit from the breadth of information presented.

The Wax Moth: A Problem or a Solution? Covers the biology, development, morphometric characters, pheromones, mating and reproduction of the greater wax moth, which is a major pest in bee colonies. It also gives tips to beekeeping enthusiasts and professionals on how to manage wax moth infestations. Finally, it elucidates the involvement of wax moths in plastic degradation. Key Features · A complete overview of the basic biology of the greater wax moth · A quick guide on wax moth pest control · Tips for beekeepers to enhance colony growth for sustainable apiculture · Information for researchers on the wax moth’s involvement in plastic degradation · Simple text for readers of all levels · References for additional reading The Wax Moth: A Problem or a Solution? Is a comprehensive yet quick reference that is ideal for entomology and agriculture students, researchers, academicians and beekeepers (both professional and hobbyist).

Degenerative nerve diseases are age-related, progressive and cause irreversible neurological loss that may lead to death. Chronic diseases like amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Huntington's disease, Alzheimer's disease, and Parkinson's disease are associated with insoluble protein depositions and pose serious health challenges that may intensify in the coming decades. Current therapies only help to alleviate some of the physical or mental symptoms associated with neurodegenerative diseases, although there is currently no remedy for slow disease progression. In recent years, attempts have been made to discover a mechanism for neurodegenerative diseases and prospective treatment that may help mitigate aging effects and prevent these diseases. Natural products have been a constant source of new approaches for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases, in particular plant alkaloids and polyphenolic compounds. Indopathy for Neuroprotection: Recent Advances highlights herbal treatments that are preferred over conventional treatments in some regions. Book chapters focus on the effects of various medicinal plants that have shown promise in reversing pathological symptoms of neurodegenerative disease and highlight the neuroprotective role of medicinal herbal phytochemicals and their mechanism of action. The book serves as a reference for pharmacology and herbal medicine scholars as well as healthcare workers interested in information about alternative and complementary therapies for neurological disorders.