Main description:

An important overview of the state of the art in naturally occurring antimycotics!Here is a comprehensive and innovative examination of the antimycotic potential of essential plant oils and extracts against fungal infections affecting humans, animals, plants, and foodstuffs. Plant-Derived Antimycotics emphasizes the antimycotic activity of plants found in Central America, India, Nepal, Fiji, and China--areas rich in phyto-diversity and traditional botanical/medical knowledge.From editor M.K. Rai: "Since the inception of human civilization men have been using herbs against various mycotic infections. In the recent past, several antimycotic agents have been introduced into the market due to their rapid curative properties. Still, the quest for new antifungal agents of a fungicidal rather than fungistatic nature continues. Furthermore, there has been a dramatic increase in the new spectrum of fungal infections known as opportunistic fungal pathogens. Consequently, plant-derived antimycotics are gaining importance, being natural, cheaper, safer, eco-friendly, and within the reach of the common man."With a distinguished list of contributors from around the world, Plant-Derived Antimycotics explores:

antifungal compounds that strengthen plant-defense systems
traditional herbs that have revealed their antifungal properties
newer, faster methods of screening and evaluating antifungal drugs
natural antimycotics derived from plants in Croatia, South America, South Africa, China, India, and Fiji
the mechanism of herbal antimycotic action
the diversity of antimycotic efficacy in Asteraceous and Meliaceous plants
new bioactive antifungal molecules

Plant-Derived Antimycotics is an essential reference for pharmacologists, microbiologists, clinical mycologists, oncologists, immunologists, drug manufacturers, botanists and ethnobotanists, phytochemists, herbalists, and everyone searching for a natural remedy for the new spectrum of opportunistic fungal infections generated by the immunocompromising difficulties encountered by AIDS and cancer patients. Color illustrations, photographs, charts, tables, and graphs make the information easier to absorb and understand.

Contents:

About the Editor
Contributors
Preface
Chapter 1. Overview: Oxidative Stress and Postharvest Produce
Active Oxygen Species
General AOS Activity
AOS Generation
Conclusion
Chapter 2. Postharvest Response of Horticultural Products to Ozone
Introduction
Ozone Chemistry
Physiological Effects on Plants
Postharvest Use on Fresh Produce
Conclusion and Topics for Further Research
Chapter 3. Low Temperature As a Causative Agent of Oxidative Stress in Postharvest Crops
Introduction
Chilling Injury
Low-Temperature Sweetening
Low-Temperature Stress-Related Quality Defects
Temperature Preconditioning to Inhibit Low-Temperature Oxidative Stress
Conclusion
Issues and Topics for Further Research
Chapter 4. Effects of Storage Conditions and Postharvest Procedures on Oxidative Stress in Fruits and Vegetables
Introduction
Maturity at Harvest
Storage Duration
Storage Temperature
Postharvest Water Loss
Controlled and Modified Atmospheres
Ethylene
Irradiation
Future Directions
Chapter 5. Superficial Scald A Postharvest Oxidative Stress Disorder
Chemistry of Scald
Scald and Oxidative Stress Theories
Ethylene and Scald
Postharvest Scald Treatments to Control Oxidative Stress
Conclusion and Future Research Direction
Chapter 6. Oxidative Stress Affecting Fruit Senescence
Introduction
Oxidative Stress
Factors Affecting Oxidative Stress and Senescence
Recent Research into Fruit Oxidative Stress
Conclusion
Issues for Further Research
Chapter 7. Antioxidants
Introduction
Lipid-Soluble Membrane-Associated Antioxidants
Water-Soluble Antioxidants
Enzymatic Antioxidant Systems
Antioxidants During Postharvest Storage
Conclusion and Directions for Future Research
Chapter 8. How Respiring Plant Cells Limit the Production of Active Oxygen Species
Introduction
Sites of Active Oxygen Species Production in the Mitochondrial Electron Transport Chain
Intracellular Oxygen Concentration
The Alternative Oxidase
The Plant Uncoupling Mitochondrial Protein
Q-Cycle Inhibitors
The Q Pool
Conclusion
Issues and Topics for Future Research
Chapter 9. Physiological Effects of Oxidative Stress in Relation to Ethylene in Postharvest Produce
Introduction
Ethylene Physiology in Postharvest
Future Directions
Chapter 10. Genetic Variation and Prospects for Genetic Engineering of Horticultural Crops for Resistance to Oxidative Stress Induced by Postharvest Conditions
Introduction
AOS Metabolism
Senescence, Ripening, and AOS Metabolism
Chilling Injuries of Fruits and Vegetables
Genetic Approaches: Are They Feasible?
Conclusion and Future Research
Chapter 11. Postharvest Treatments of Control Oxidative Stress in Fruits and Vegetables
Introduction
Control of Oxidative Injury Using Antioxidant Dips and Edible Coatings
Postharvest Treatments to Control Oxidant Injury in Fruits and Vegetables
Future Directions
Index
Reference Notes Included