Springer Tropane Alkaloids: Sources, Chemistry, Pharmacology and Biotechnology

This book provides comprehensive information on tropane alkaloids, from their discovery to their pharmacological applications and biotechnological production. It focuses on the challenges and opportunities in the sustainable utilization of tropane alkaloid-yielding plants. The book serves as a desk reference for pharmacologists, biomedical scientists, biotechnologists, and herbal drug manufacturers, offering detailed insights into tropane alkaloid research from discovery to commercial production. Key topics include the chemistry and biosynthesis of tropane alkaloids, their occurrence in food commodities, and the cultivation of tropane alkaloid-yielding plants. This volume also explores the pharmacological uses of these compounds, with particular attention to their role as anticholinergic agents. Readers will discover the commercial aspects of tropane alkaloids, including the regulation, use and misuse of cocaine, a well-known narcotic. The authors present a unique combination of theoretical perspectives and practical insights, supported by descriptive illustrations and workflows that facilitate understanding and application, making this an essential guide for researchers and professionals in the pharmaceutical industry. This book is an invaluable resource for researchers, pharmacists, chemists, and industry professionals seeking to deepen their knowledge of tropane alkaloids. It is particularly relevant for those involved in the study or production of these compounds, offering guidance on the propagation of tropane alkaloid-producing plants and alternative production strategies.