Biology and Ecology of Pharmaceutical Marine Life: Echinoderms (Biology and Ecology of Marine Life)

The first comprehensive book on the biology and ecology of pharmaceutical cnidarians, answering a need for more knowledge about the identification, biology, natural products and bioactivities of these living resources. Contributed by scientists of both marine biology and pharmacy disciplines. Identifies the correct marine species, shows the ecological parameters of that species, and explores its biological values with particular attention to primary and secondary metabolites or bioactive constituents. A useful supplementary text on Marine Biology and Pharmacology courses. Nearly 200 illustrations are produced in full color, providing a high-quality reference. This book provides the taxonomy, common name, global distribution, habitat, diagnostic features, and pharmaceutical compounds (along with their activities) of 200 species of marine cnidarians along with nearly 200 detailed illustrations in glorious color. The phylum Cnidaria (formerly Coelenterata) is a large, diverse, and ecologically important group of marine invertebrates which make up 40 percent of the biomass of the oceans. Marine invertebrates are the richest source of marine natural products with potential applications in the pharmaceutical and medical sectors, and it has been reported that over 3000 bioactive compounds have been described from this phylum alone, mostly in the last decade -- Back cover The first comprehensive book on the biology and ecology of pharmaceutical echinoderms. Contributed by scientists of both marine biology and pharmacy disciplines. All reported echinoderm species producing secondary metabolites are dealt with. Previously known only as nutritional invertebrates, the contribution of the echinoderms as sources of secondary metabolites for therapeutic compounds is a topic ripe for exploration. All 200+ images are produced in full color. This book provides the taxonomy, common name, global distribution, habitat, diagnostic features and pharmaceutical compounds (along with their activities) of 150 species of ecinoderms along with over 200 detailed illustrations in glorious color. Among the biota of marine habitats, the echinoderms, which include sea stars (starfish), brittle stars and basket stars, sea urchins and sand dollars, sea cucumbers, and sea lilies or feather stars, are known for their importance as promising sources of bioactive compounds for development of pharmaceuticals. Their potential therapeutic applications have been growing rapidly in the treatment of many diseases. Content: IntroductionBiology and Ecology of Pharmaceutical Sea stars (Class Asteroidea)Biology and Ecology of Pharmaceutical Brittle stars and Basket stars (Class Ophiuroidea) Biology and Ecology of Pharmaceutical Sea cucumbers (Class: Holothuroidea)