edited by Wayne Bidlack, Stanley Omaye, Mark Meskin, and Debra Topham

Phytochemicals as Bioactive Agents focuses on the mechanisms of action of phytochemicals identified as displaying bioactivity in the prevention of cancer, heart disease and other dieases, and the prospects for developing functional foods containing these bioactive compounds.

An internationally recognized group of experts presents the latest research findings on:

• The antimutagenic and anticarcinogenic effects of tea and tea constituents
• Chemoprevention provided by plants in the family Cruciferae and genus Allium by altering carcinogen metabolism
• Anticarcinogenic effects of carotenoids and curcumins
• The chemistry and application of alfalfa saponins
• The bioactive components of rice bran and rice oil
• The effects of garlic on lowering serum cholesterol
• Using phytochemicals to optimize gastrointestinal tract health and function.

Also included are chapters on:

• Strategies to identify bioactive phytochemicals in foods
• The design, conduct and interpretation of clinical trials to test phytochemicals for expected bioactivity
• Compounds that have potential use as phytochemical antimicrobial agents (PAM) in food processing
• Designing bioactive functional foods

This book will be of interest to food scientists and technologists, food process engineers, biochemists, nutritionists, public health professionals, and entrepreneurs involved in the design, processing, and marketing of new functional food products.

Latest information on:

• Evaluating phytochemical mechanisms of action
• Compound characteristics and their metabolism in the body
• Phytochemicals and their integrated role in disease prevention and health

Contents

1. Strategies for the Discovery of Bioactive Phytochemicals
   Strategies for Choosing a Plant Species or Plant Tissue
   Tools for Determination of Active Compounds from a Plant
   
2. QSAR and Molecular Modeling of Bioactive Phyto-Phenolics
   Lignans and Tannins as Antiviral and Anti-Tumor Agents
   Isoflavonoids as Phytoestrogens and Flavonoids as Antiestrogens
   Antioxidant Phenolics: Physicochemical Properties
   WSAR Analysis of the Antioxidant Activities of Vitamin E Analogs
   Curcumin and Related Compounds as Blockers of Signal Transduction in Inhibition of Tumor Promotion
   
3. Chemoprevention by Phytochemical Modifiers of Carcinogen Metabolism
   Isothiocyanates and Glucosinolates
   Inhibition of Carcinogenesis By Isothiocyanates, Glucosinolates, and Cruciferous Vegetables
   Indole-3-Carbinol
   Thiols of Allium Plants
   
4. Clinical Trial Design for Evaluating Phytochemical Bioactivity
   Clinical Trial: A Definition
   Fundamental Principles
   Regulatory Issues
   Setting
   The Clinical Trial Protocol
   Outcome Variables
   Study Design
   Inclusion and Exclusion Criteria
   Blinding and Controls
   Special Considerations for Investigations of Phytochemicals in Foods
   Sample Size and Power
   Budget
   Seek Expert Advice
   Publications
   
5. The Use of Fermentable Fibers to Manage the Gastrointestinal Ecosystem
   The Gastrointestinal Tract is an Ecosystem
   Components of the GIT Ecosystem
   Gastrointestinal Functions
   Management Tools
   Fermentable Fibers
   Managing the Mature GIT
   Managing the Developing GIT
   Managing the Senescent GIT
   Managing Recovery of the GIT
   Perspectives
   
6. Phytoantimicrobial (PAM) Agents as Multifunctional Food Additives
   PAM from Oils
   PAM from Spices
   PAM from Fruits and Vegetables
   PAM from Herbs
   PAM—Thiosulfinates from Garlic
   PAM—Polyphenols from Tea
   
7. The Protective Effect of Tea on Cancer: Human Evidence
   The Chemistry of Tea
   Laboratory Studies on the Preventive Effects of Tea on Cell Mutation
   Laboratory Studies on the Inhibition of Tumorigenesis and Carcinogenesis
   Suggested Mechanisms for Inhibition of Tumorigenesis and Carcinogenesis by Tea Phytochemicals
   Epidemiological Evidence
   Clinical Intervention Trials
   
8. Effect of Genistein on Growth of Human Breast Cancer Cells In Vitro and In Vivo
   Anti-Proliferative Effects of Genistein
   Estrogenic Activity of Genistein
   Estrogenic Activity of Genistein
   Genistein, Estrogen, and Breast Cancer—An Issue of dosage and Timing
   
9. Cancer Prevention by Carotenoids and Curcumin
   Anti-Carcinogenic Activity of Natural Carotenoids
   Anti-Carcinogenic Activity of Curcumin
   
10. Alfalfa Saponins: Chemistry and Application
    Aglycones of Alfalfa Saponin
    Root Saponins
    Seed Saponins
    Saponins from Alfalfa Seedlings
    Alfalfa Aerial Parts
    Biological Activity of Alfalfa Saponins
    
11. Saw Palmetto: Critical Review, Chemistry, and Application
    Treatment Strategies
    BPH Can Be Treated With Extracts of Saw Palmetto
    The Active Components of Saw Palmetto Are Not Fully Elucidated
    Continued Phytochemical Research on Saw Palmetto
    
12. Effect of Garlic on Serum Cholesterol Levels
    Garlic Formulations and Compounds
    Mechanistic and Animal Studies
    Clinical Trials
    
13. Bioactives in Rice Bran and Rice Bran Oil
    Defining Rice Bran
    The Need for Stabilization
    Criteria for Stabilization of Rice Bran
    Fiber Fractions
    Antioxidant Effect
    Inhibition of Phase 1 Enzymes
    Enhancement of Phase 2 Microsomal Enzymes
    Competition with Active Binding Sites
    Competitive Inhibitors
    Cell Regulation and Transcellular Signaling
    Physiological Significance of Major Bioactives in Rice Bran
    Health Effects of Stabilized Rice Bran and Its Products
    
14. Designing Functional Foods to Enhance Health
    New Health Paradigm
    Functional Foods
    Bioactive Phytochemicals
    Regulatory Issues
    Safety Issues
    Designing Functional Foods
    Opportunity for Development

Index

click here to see books • videos • cd-roms of related interest