This book describes current understandings and recent progress into a varied group of natural products. In the first chapter the role that total synthesis may play in revising the structures proposed for decanolides, which are ten-membered lactones found primarily in fungi, frogs, and termites is presented. The following chapter presents the development of the intriguing plant-derived sesquiterpene lactone, thapsigargin, a potent inhibitor of the enzyme, SERCA (sarco-endoplasmic Ca 2+ ATPase), which has potential as a lead compound to treat cancer. The third chapter covers the potential of various plant phenolic compounds for treating the tropical and sub-tropical infectious disease, leishmaniasis. In addition the volume presents recent advances related to the plant alkaloid, cryptolepine, which is of particular interest as a lead for the treatment of malaria, trypanosomiasis, and cancer.

Written by recognized authorities in the field Provides comprehensive and up-to-date reviews on the topic Part of a well-known series

Inhalt
Total Synthesis of Decanolides (Nonanolides) with a Special Focus on Olefin Metathesis.- From Plant to Patient: Thapsigargin.- Antileishmanial Activity of Lignans and Neolignans.- Cryptolepine as a Lead to new Antiprotozoal Agents.- Biologically Active Constituents from Plants of the Genus Xanthium.