This unique volume covers specific aspects of the biological chemistry of terpenoids. It provides extensive information related to classification, general methods of extraction and isolation of terpenoids, synthesis and pharmacological activities of monoterpenoids, synthesis and medicinal uses of diterpenoids, biogenesis of terpenoids, synthesis and medicinal uses of sesqui terpenoids and sesterpenoids. Some terpenes are also classified as diterpene alkaloids. Most of the terpenoids with diverse molecular structures are biologically active and are used for the treatment of various diseases such as cancer, malaria, inflammation, tuberculosis and infection, and this is discussed.

Features:

Activities and biological relationships of terpenes
An accurate assessment of where and what terpenes can lead to
Discusses how microbes, in particular the actinomycetales, have well over 400 different gene clusters that produce terpenes
Arranged by biological activities and usage
Provides information on eukaryotic enzymes that have been shown to be a source of “ethnobotanical” terpenes