Ebook: Medicinal Plants and Fungi: Recent Advances in Research and Development

This book highlights the latest international research on different aspects of medicinal plants and fungi. Studies over the last decade have demonstrated that bioactive compounds isolated from medicinal fungi have promising antitumor, cardiovascular, immunomodulatory, anti-allergic, anti-diabetic, and hepatoprotective properties. In the light of these studies, the book includes chapters (mostly review articles) by eminent researchers from twelve countries across the globe working in different disciplines of medicinal plants and fungi. It discusses topics such as the prevention of major neurodegenerative and neurotoxic mechanisms by Centella asiatica; the medicinal properties and therapeutic applications of several mushrooms species found in different parts of the world; and fungal endophytes as a source of bioactive metabolites including anticancer and cardioprotective agents. There are also chapters on strategies for identifying bioactive secondary metabolites of fungal origin; the use of genomic information to explore the biotechnological potential of medicinal mushrooms; and solid state fermentation of agro-industrial and forestry residues for the production of medicinal mushrooms. It is a valuable resource for the researchers, professionals and students working in the area of medicinal plants and fungi.;Part 1. Medicinal Properties / Therapeutic Effects -- Medicinal Plants and Fungi -- Chapter 1. Centella asiatica, an Ayurvedic Medicinal Plant, Prevents the Major Neurodegenerative and Neurotoxic Mechanisms Associated with Cognitive Impairment -- Chapter 2. Medicinal properties of Mediterranean Oyster mushrooms, species of genus Pleurotus (higher Basidiomycetes) -- Chapter 3. Cordyceps – A Highly Coveted Medicinal Mushroom -- Chapter 4. Medicinal Mushrooms with Antiallergic Activities -- Chapter 5. The Bioactivity of Tiger Milk Mushroom -- Malaysia's Prized Medicinal Mushroom -- Chapter 6. Antioxidant Properties of Antrodia cinnamomea – An Extremely Rare and Coveted Medicinal Mushroom Endemic to Taiwan -- Part 2. Bioactive Compounds – Medicinal Plants and Fungal Endophytes -- Chapter 7. The Fungal Endobiome of Medicinal Plants: A Prospective Source of Bioactive Metabolites -- Chapter 8. Multipotent and Poly-Therapeutic Fungal Alkaloids of Claviceps purpurea -- Chapter 9. Recent Advance On Bioactive Compounds From The Edible And Medicinal fungi in China -- Chapter 10. Endophytes From Malaysian Medicinal Plants As Sources For Discovering Anticancer Agents -- Chapter 11. Mushrooms: A Pandora Box of Cardioprotective Phytochemicals -- Part 3. Production Systems and Biotechnology -- Medicinal Plants and Fungi -- Chapter 12. Solid State Fermentation Of Plant Residues And Agro-Industrial Wastes For The Production Of Medicinal Mushrooms -- Chapter 13. Making Use of Genomic Information to Explore the Biotechnological Potential of Medicinal Mushrooms -- Chapter 14. Biotechnology of Medicinal Plants and Fungi in Taiwan –Production of Bioactive Secondary Metabolites in In Vitro Culture Systems -- Part 4. Resources / Techniques – Medicinal Plants and Fungi -- Chapter 15. Memory Enhancing and Related Beneficial Effects of Selected Medicinal Plants From the Nigerian Flora -- Chapter 16. Identification Strategies For Bioactive Secondary Metabolites Of Fungal Origin.