Bioactive Natural Products in Drug Discovery

This book highlights different natural products that are derived from the plants and microbes that have shown potential as the lead compounds against infectious diseases and cancer. Natural products represent an untapped source of strikingly diverse chemotypes with novel mechanisms of action and the potential to serve as anticancer and anti-infective agents.

The book discusses a range of biotechnologically valuable bioactive compounds and secondary metabolites that have been derived from plant and microorganisms from various ecological niches. It also reviews the latest developments in the field of genomics, bioinformatics and industrial fermentation for harnessing the microbial products for commercial applications. In turn, the book’s closing section reviews important biotechnological applications of various natural products. Combining the expertise of specialists in this field, the book’s goal is to promote the further investigation of natural sources for the development of standardized, safe and effective therapies.

Dr. Joginder Singh is presently working as a Professor at the Department of Microbiology, Lovely Professional University, Punjab, India. His training and research experience prepared him to work with microbial consortium formulation and study its ecology. His particular areas of competence include planning and execution of R&D facilities at scientist level. He is an active member of various scientific societies and organizations, including Indian Science Congress Association, the Association of Microbiologists of India, K. K. Nanda Foundation for Advancement of Plant Sciences, Indian Society of Salinity Research Scientists, Indian Society for Radiation Biology, Hong Kong Chemical, Biological & Environmental Engineering Society, and European Federation of Biotechnology. The Academy of Plant Sciences, India (2016) conferred him certificate of excellence in the field of Microbial Technology. He serves as a reviewer for many prestigious journals and has published morethan 60 research and review articles in peer-reviewed journals, edited 4 books, and authored/co-authored 25 book chapters.

Dr. Vineet Meshram is currently working as a Visiting Scientist at the Department of Plant Pathology and Weed Research, the Volcani Centre, Agriculture Research Organization, Israel. He previously served as an Assistant Professor at the Department of Biochemistry, DAV University, India (2016-17). He has over 10 years of research experience in microbial secondary metabolites, microbial biochemistry, biological control, mycology, and drug discovery. His research work has resulted in over 15 referred journal articles, 21 abstracts and, three book chapters. He is also a founder member of the International Society for Fungal Conservation. In recognition of his contributions, the Mycological Society of India (2012) and European Mycological Society (2015) selected him for a Young Scientist Award. Recently, he has been awarded Karsons's award (2019) by The Ministry of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Organization, Israel, for his studies on plant-microbe interactions.

Dr. Mahiti Gupta is an Assistant Professor at the Department of Biotechnology, Lovely Professional University, India. Her research interests are in natural products and drug discovery, enzyme inhibitors, protein purification, and characterization. She is currently working on endophytes and Stevia. She has been honored with a UGC Meritorious Fellowship and a Young Scientist Award. She has published seven research articles in peer-reviewed international and national journals and has authored and co-authored several book chapters. She is a member of numerous scientific societies, including the Indian Science Congress.