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 researches on natural substances. The book is a valuable resource for pharmaceutical scientists and postgraduate students seeking updated and critically important information on bioactive natural products.

The chapters in this volume are written by eminent authorities in the field. In chapter 1, Mastino et al., discuss the traditional usage and the biological and pharmacological properties of various Cistus species, with particular emphasis on Cistus species growing in Sardinia. Yuan et al., in the second chapter, summarize the current knowledge regarding the phytohormone abscisic acid (ABA) in the regulation of fruit development and ripening, as well as in responses to environmental stresses. Gorai et al., in chapter 3 present the progress in the research on naturally occurring biflavonoids. Victório et al., in the next chapter of the book review the protective effects of plant metabolites on cell injury caused by radiation therapy against cancer and high doses of radiation exposure. Mammen in the last chapter presents a detailed overview of chemical perspective and drawbacks in flavonoid estimation assays that how plant metabolites may protect human cells against radiation-associated damage.

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 (Director Publications), Mr. Obaid Sadiq (In-charge Books Department) and Miss Asma Ahmed (Senior Manager Publications) at Bentham Science Publishers.