Preface

Frontiers in Natural Product Chemistry presents recent advances in the chemistry and biochemistry of naturally occurring compounds. It covers a range of topics, including important research on natural substances. The book is a valuable resource for pharmaceutical scientists and postgraduate students seeking updated and critically important information regarding bioactive natural products.

The chapters in this volume are written by eminent authorities in the field. Sathiyanarayanan et al. present a detailed review of the therapeutic potential of Propolis and its isolated key chemical constituents in chapter 1. Bölek and Tosya, in chapter 2, examine the effects of using omega-3 fatty acids on egg quality in functional egg production. Kumar et al. summarize the anticancer activities of Quercetin (QCT) on various cancer cells in chapter 3 of the book. Ahmad, in chapter 4, suggests that swertiamarin could be considered as a potential therapeutic agent for the treatment of metabolic syndrome. Bhardwaj et al., in the next chapter summarize the various traditional uses, pharmacological properties, and phytochemistry of Peganum harmala L. In chapter 6, Sahari and Ardestani discuss the methods of measurement of antioxidant activity and involved mechanisms. Pirani et al. explain the recent progress in natural and synthetic flavanones and their derivatives in the next chapter. Long et al., in the last chapter, discuss multiple beneficial effects of virgin coconut oil (VCO) and the mechanisms of therapeutic effects towards human health management.

I hope that the readers will find these reviews valuable and thought-provoking so that they may trigger further research in the quest for new and novel therapies against various diseases. I am grateful for the timely efforts made by the editorial personnel, especially Mr. Mahmood Alam (Editorial Director), Mr. Obaid Sadiq (In-charge Books Department), and Miss Asma Ahmed (Senior Manager Publications) at Bentham Science Publishers.