Handbook of Plant and Fungal Toxicants

Natural toxicants are the subject of research throughout the world, and they are used for many purposes. The Handbook of Plant and Fungal Toxicants presents a wide range of compounds and considers how they relate to food safety, therapeutic purposes in medicine, and uses in breeding plants for enhanced resistance to insects and disease. Alkaloids, both from plant and fungal sources, are emphasized. Also covered are a variety of toxicants and phytochemicals including: bracken fern poisons polyphenolics gossypol flavones isoflavones pyrimidine glycosides fruit and vegetable allergens linear furanocoumarins photosensitizing agents nitrates oxalates Pinus ponderosa toxicants The text stresses the positive aspects of plant secondary compounds and presents examples of beneficial attributes in the context of environmental protection and human health. An international authorship addresses the global diversity and ecological distribution of plant and fungal toxicants. This handbook is ideal for senior-level college students and post-graduate students studying animal science, toxicology, and pharmaceutical sciences.