Chapters authored
Coumarins as Fluorescent Labels of Biomolecules
Important areas such as environmental sciences, medicine, pharmacy, and cellular biology are dependent on very sensitive analytical techniques. One of the most common methodologies used for their bioanalytical purposes is the fluorescent labelling. The synthesis of new fluorophores and the great development of fluorescent-labelling techniques combined with the enormous technological advances in the field of fluorescence microscopy allowed to deepen the structural knowledge of biomolecules. This new organic fluorophores form covalent bonds with the sample to be analyzed, producing stable bioconjugates that show fluorescence in a wide range of wavelengths, depending on the label used. Coumarin derivatives represent one of the most important chemical classes of organic fluorescent materials being one of the most extensively investigated and commercially significant groups of organic fluorescent materials. In this chapter, it is reviewed the use of fluorescent coumarin derivatives and their application to labelling biomolecules. These fluorescent labels allow researchers to study, and understand, biomolecular assemblies that exhibit complex sensitivity and selectivity. Reactive fluorescent coumarin derivatives are actually widely used in labelling biomolecules as peptides, proteins, oligonucleotides, nucleic acids, and carbohydrates, among other biological molecules.
Part of the book: Phytochemicals in Human Health
Essential Oils High in 1,8-Cineole of Mediterranean Flavoring Plants: Health Benefits
Aromatic flavoring plants are important ingredients of the Mediterranean diet, one of the healthiest and most sustainable dietary forms, often associated with greater longevity as well as contributing to the reduction of some chronic pathologies with high mortality and morbidity. Their essential oils (EOs) are increasingly used as therapeutic agents and food supplements, due to their antioxidants, anti-inflammatory or anti-tumoral properties. The Health benefits of essential oils are closely related with their chemical constituents. The 1,8-cineole, a naturally cyclic oxygenated monoterpene, has been attributed several biological properties such as antioxidants, anti-inflammatory or antitumoral. Nevertheless, the EO properties are attributed not only to their main components but also to the synergistic effect of minor components. This review chapter focused on the chemical composition and antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential of EOs of flavoring Lamiaceae plants, with high content in 1,8-cineole, including chemotypes of genera Lavandula, Calamintha, Rosmarinus, and Thymus, often used in the Mediterranean diet.
Part of the book: Essential Oils