Medicinal natural products:

Abstract

Medicinal Natural Products: A Biosynthetic Approach (3rd ed.) provides a comprehensive and balanced study of natural products from a biosynthetic perspective. The text focuses on the metabolic pathways responsible for the formation of major classes of natural compounds, including polyketides, terpenoids, alkaloids, and amino acid derivatives. It integrates fundamental chemical principles with detailed explanations of enzyme mechanisms and genetic aspects of biosynthesis.

The book emphasizes compounds of medicinal importance, discussing their natural sources, production, pharmacological uses, semi-synthetic modifications, and mechanisms of action. It also reflects recent advances in enzymology, gene isolation, and biotechnology, making it a key resource for students and professionals in pharmacognosy, medicinal chemistry, and related fields.