Water Extraction of Bioactive Compounds

Water Extraction of Bioactive Compounds: From Plants to Drug Development draws together the expert knowledge of researchers from around the world to outline the essential knowledge and techniques required to successfully extract bioactive compounds for further study or for practical applications. The book is an updated resource for biochemists, medicinal chemists, food technologist, pharmaceutical scientists, chemical engineers and academics working in the discovery and development of drugs from natural sources. The discovery and extraction of bioactive plant compounds from natural sources is of growing interest to functional foods, nutraceuticals, cosmeceuticals and pharmaceutical developers, adding greater fuel to a simultaneous search for efficient, green technologies to support this.

Water Extraction of Bioactive Compounds: From Plants to Drug Development is a detailed guide to the fundamental concepts and considerations needed to successfully undertake such processes, supported by application examples and highlighting the most influential variables. Beginning with an introduction to plants as sources of drugs, the book highlights the need for a move towards both more rational and greener techniques in the field and presents multiple innovative water-based strategies for the extraction of bioactive constituents of botanicals. A broad range of available techniques are reviewed, including conventional and pressurized hot water extraction techniques, intensified processes such as microwave-assisted, ultrasound-assisted processes, enzyme assisted extraction, pulsed electric fields, and processes using combined techniques.

• Covers the theoretical background and range of techniques available to researchers, helping them to select the most appropriate extraction method for their needs
• Presents up-to-date and cutting-edge applications by international experts
• Highlights current use and future potential for industrial scale applications
• Offers an overview of the potential of plants as sources of drugs, and some patents claiming the use of water-based extraction