Natural products have played a vital role in the development of organic chemistry (purified organic compounds isolated from natural sources) by providing hectic synthetic targets. The term, Natural product has been extended to commercial purposes like cosmetics, dietary supplements and food produced without any artificial ingredient.
Natural products are the active components of traditional and modern medicines. As the structural diversity of natural products helps in the chemical synthesis, and synthetic analogs can be prepared with improved potency and safety, these are often used as the starting points of drug discovery. In the field of organic chemistry, natural products are often defined as primary and secondary metabolites. Another definition limiting natural products to secondary metabolites is used in the fields of medicinal chemistry and pharmacognosy.
The development of traditional medicinal system including plants as a means of therapy back to the middle Paleolithic age (some 60,000 years ago). Ethno-medicine (use of plant by humans as a medicine) is a highly modified approach to drug discovery. It involves observation, description in experimental investigation/screening for possible medicinal and biological properties of indigenous drugs. It is based on chemistry, botany, pharmacology, physiology, biochemistry, anthropology, history and archaeology that contribute to the discovery of natural products with medicinal activity. According to W.H.O more than 60% of the world population uses ethno-medicine as part of their basic health care.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Introduction
- Sources of natural products
- Natural products from Plant sources
- Natural products from Animal sources
- Natural products from Microorganisms
- Natural products from Marine organisms
- Applications of natural products
- Drugs and Drug leads
- Cosmetics and perfumes
- Defence
- Pesticides
- Medicinal plants
- Ayurveda and Traditional medicines
- Positive contributions from traditional medicines
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This work aims to explore the diverse world of natural products, their origins, and their various applications. It delves into the historical and ongoing significance of natural products in medicine, cosmetics, and other fields. The text also examines the role of traditional medicine systems and their contributions to modern scientific advancements.
- The origins and diversity of natural products from various sources (plants, animals, microorganisms, marine organisms).
- The applications of natural products in medicine, cosmetics, defense, and pest control.
- The role of natural products in drug discovery and development.
- The importance of traditional medicine systems and their contributions.
- The relationship between natural products and organic chemistry.
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
Introduction: This chapter introduces the concept of natural products as chemical compounds produced by living organisms and their significance in pharmaceutical drug discovery and design. It highlights the role of natural products in the development of organic chemistry and their expanded use in commercial applications such as cosmetics and food. The chapter also introduces the concept of total synthesis as a method of producing natural products and showcases examples of natural products currently used as important drugs, providing a table detailing their action and plant sources.
Sources of natural products: This chapter explores the diverse sources of natural products, categorizing them by origin: plant, animal, microorganism, and marine. Each subsection likely details the specific types of natural products obtained from each source, and possibly discusses extraction methods and their chemical properties. It would provide a comprehensive overview of the vast range of organisms that serve as sources of these valuable compounds. The chapter lays the groundwork for understanding the breadth and depth of potential natural product resources.
Applications of natural products: This chapter delves into the multifaceted uses of natural products across various sectors. It covers their pivotal role in drug discovery and development (both as direct drugs and as leads for the synthesis of new drugs), their importance in cosmetics and perfumes, their applications in defense strategies and pest control. This section likely provides specific examples and details regarding the chemical compounds used and their mechanisms of action, showcasing the extensive and diverse applications of natural products in different sectors.
Medicinal plants: This chapter likely focuses on the specific medicinal properties of various plants. It may explore the ethnobotanical aspects of plant usage in traditional medicine, the active components responsible for medicinal effects, and perhaps compare and contrast the effectiveness of plant-derived medicines. This would encompass a substantial portion of the text dedicated to plant-based remedies.
Ayurveda and Traditional medicines: This chapter likely focuses on the traditional systems of medicine such as Ayurveda and others. It will discuss their historical contexts, philosophies, and practical applications. The chapter likely contrasts and compares these systems with modern Western medicine and explores their continuing relevance and contributions to global healthcare. This shows the significant influence traditional medicine has on modern scientific exploration.
Positive contributions from traditional medicines: This chapter examines the positive impact of traditional medicine systems and their contribution to modern medicine and scientific discovery. It will highlight examples of traditional remedies that have been validated by scientific research and the discovery of new drugs and therapies inspired by traditional practices. This chapter synthesizes many of the previous chapters' ideas showing their overall importance.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
Natural products, drug discovery, medicinal plants, traditional medicine, organic chemistry, biosynthesis, cosmetics, pesticides, Ayurveda, pharmacology, secondary metabolites, total synthesis.
Frequently Asked Questions: A Comprehensive Language Preview of Natural Products
What is the overall focus of this text?
This text provides a comprehensive overview of natural products, encompassing their diverse origins (plants, animals, microorganisms, marine organisms), their various applications (medicine, cosmetics, defense, pest control), and the significant role of traditional medicine systems in their discovery and development. It explores the intersection of natural products with organic chemistry and their historical and contemporary importance.
What are the key themes explored in this text?
Key themes include the diverse sources of natural products; their applications in medicine, cosmetics, and other industries; the role of natural products in drug discovery and development; the importance of traditional medicine systems (like Ayurveda); and the relationship between natural products and organic chemistry.
What are the main sections or chapters covered?
The text includes an introduction, sections on sources of natural products (categorized by origin), applications of natural products (in medicine, cosmetics, etc.), medicinal plants, Ayurveda and other traditional medicines, and the positive contributions of traditional medicine to modern advancements. Each section offers a summary and detailed explanations.
What sources of natural products are discussed?
The text explores natural products derived from plants, animals, microorganisms, and marine organisms, providing a comprehensive overview of the variety of sources and the types of compounds obtained from each.
What are the applications of natural products covered?
The applications discussed range from their crucial role in drug discovery and development (both as direct drugs and as leads for new drug synthesis) to their uses in cosmetics, perfumes, defense strategies, and pest control. Specific examples and mechanisms of action are likely provided.
How does the text address traditional medicine?
The text dedicates sections to traditional medicine systems like Ayurveda, exploring their historical contexts, philosophies, and practical applications. It compares and contrasts these systems with modern Western medicine and highlights their ongoing relevance and contributions to global healthcare. It also examines the positive contributions of traditional medicine to modern scientific discoveries.
What is the significance of organic chemistry in the context of natural products?
The text emphasizes the strong link between natural products and organic chemistry, likely discussing the chemical properties of natural products, their biosynthesis, and the process of total synthesis (creating natural products artificially).
What are some key words associated with this text?
Key words include natural products, drug discovery, medicinal plants, traditional medicine, organic chemistry, biosynthesis, cosmetics, pesticides, Ayurveda, pharmacology, secondary metabolites, and total synthesis.
What is the purpose of the chapter summaries?
The chapter summaries provide concise overviews of the content and key takeaways from each chapter, allowing readers to quickly grasp the main points of each section before delving into the detailed explanations.
What type of audience is this text intended for?
Given the detailed explanations and academic focus, the text seems targeted towards students, researchers, or professionals in fields like pharmacology, organic chemistry, and related areas interested in natural products and traditional medicine.
- Quote paper
- Dr. Faizan Danish Khaleel (Author), 2018, Natural products and its scope and applications, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/432094
