|
| |
 Manfred Hesse
Alkaloids: Nature's Curse or Blessing?
ISBN: 3-906390-24-1
Hardcover
426 pages
September 2002
Description
As numerous historical documents - on fireclay, papyrus, or
paper - testify, alkaloids, nitrogen contining natural substances, have been
companions of mankind from ancient time. Valued as drugs and stimulants, some
species are also feared because of their addictive potential, and often it seems
impossible to distinguish these effects unambiguously. The chemistry of
alkaloids has been captivating chemists for ages and generations. This is the
first comprehensive reference work providing a concise overview of structure,
properties, and history of these unique and fascinating substances!
The volume is organised into three main sections. Part 1 examines the chemically
relevant aspects by means of carefully selected examples. After a structural
classification, structure elucidation (including common pitfalls) is discussed.
Moreover, chiroptical properties and synthetic pathways are detailed. Part 2 is
devoted to biological and biochemical aspects. It rationalizes chemotaxonomy and
biogenesis by means of examples (indole and 1-benzyl isoquinoline alkaloids) and
presents details about the functionality of several alkaloids produced by plants
and animals. Part 3 finally describes the cultural and historical significance
of the most important alkaloid sources. Exciting anecdotes and historical
reports illuminate the use of hemlock, ergot, opium, tobacco, coffee, and
cinchona, to name only a few.
The unique and comprehensive explanation of the most important features of
alkaloids makes this book a compendium valuable not only for experts but also
for the layman interested in pharmacy.
Index
-
Introduction.
-
Classification of Alkaloids.
-
Structure Elucidation of Alkaloids
-
Artifacts.
-
Chiroptical Properties of Alkaloids.
-
Alkaloid Synthesis.
-
Alkaloids and Chemotaxonomy.
-
Aspects of Alkaloid Biogenesis.
-
Biological Significance of Alkaloids
-
Historical Aspects of Alkaloid Chemistry.
-
Active Principles from Selected Alkaloid Sources and
Their Cultural and Historical Significance.
-
Index
Reviews
"...an insightful treatment of a complex subject and a
valuable reference source..."(Chemistry in Britain, October 2002)
"...a very handsome book for the coffee table..." (Perkin
Transactions, Vol.1, No.23, 2002)
"The reviewer must confess that he could not put the book
down...most medicinal chemists would find it an appealing choice for pleasure
reading...highly recommended." (Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, Vol. 46, No. 5)
"...The book is beautifully produced with many excellent
figures and photographs. As a book for the interested chemical scientists it
serves it intended remit excellently" (Chemistry & Industry, 19May 2003)
A"...gives an excellent survey of the known classes of
alkaloids, is remarkably comprehensive, and is further enhanced by the
aesthetically pleasing and consistent style of the structural formulas..."
(Angew. Chem., Int. Ed. 2003, 42, 4852)
|
