This book addresses the traditional use of a specific crop legume, grass pea (Lathyrus sativus), as a food product and ingredient for typical food products. Grass pea has very interesting nutritional qualities, including an abundance of proteins and peculiar organoleptic properties. As the crop also shows an enhanced resistance to adverse conditions, it is used in many geographical areas as the main ingredient of certain traditional foods. On the other hand, grass pea is questionable as a source of human and animal nutrition because it contains a neurotoxin – β-N-oxalyl-L-α,β-diaminopropionic acid – that is known for its neurological effects. The related disease is referred to as ‘neurolathyrism’ and occurs when grass pea-based foods are consumed in large quantities. The book is divided into five chapters, the first of which summarizes the chemical and biochemical properties of grass pea and provides nutritional evaluations. The second chapter provides an overview of foods containing Lathyrus sativus around the world, while the third describes Italian foods in detail. The fourth chapter focuses on the problem of neurolathyrism in connection with human nutrition and health. In closing, the fifth chapter sheds light on the historical and traditional food products sector from a food traceability and authenticity standpoint.

The Beans and the Peas: From Orphan to Mainstream Crops presents a comprehensive literature resource on the most important food legume crops previously known as "orphans," but which are increasingly becoming mainstream as their production opportunities have been improved through genetic improvement and biotechnology, and their role as an important nutrient source gains urgency. This book focuses on 12 important food legumes and discusses all relevant aspects on their economic importance, crop statistics, botany, and their general description. It also provides exhaustive information on plant genetic resources and their use, genetic improvement, resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses, improved varieties, agronomy, seed system, and use of information and communication tools in each individual food legume.Development of innovative biotechnological tools, genetic transformation, and the genome sequencing information has also been covered in each chapter providing the readers with state-of-the-art information on pulses. All chapters have been supported by relevant figures, illustrations, and tables, which make the contents accessible and easy to understand.Each of the chapters has been authored by globally known scientists/researchers presenting up-to-date information on various aspects of food legumes. This book provides a current and comprehensive treatise to the readers and will be tremendously helpful in furthering their academic and research pursuits. Provides a single-volume resource on the most important food legumes having a prominent role in food and nutritional security Written by experts with a focus on providing foundational information for further research and development Presents both theoretical aspects and application-based case studies Supported by relevant figures, illustrations, and tables

Toxicological Survey of African Medicinal Plants provides a detailed overview of toxicological studies relating to traditionally used medicinal plants in Africa, with special emphasis on the methodologies and tools used for data collection and interpretation. The book considers the physical parameters of these plants and their effect upon various areas of the body and human health, including chapters dedicated to genotoxicity, hepatotoxicity, nephrotoxicity, cardiotoxicity, neurotoxicity, and specific organs and systems.Following this discussion of the effects of medicinal plants is a critical review of the guidelines and methods in use for toxicological research as well as the state of toxicology studies in Africa. With up-to-date research provided by a team of experts, Toxicological Survey of African Medicinal Plants is an invaluable resource for researchers and students involved in pharmacology, toxicology, phytochemistry, medicine, pharmacognosy, and pharmaceutical biology. Offers a critical review of the methods used in toxicological survey of medicinal plants Provides up-to-date toxicological data on African medicinal plants and families Serves as a resource tool for students and scientists in the various areas of toxicology

Clinical Neurotoxicology offers accurate, relevant, and comprehensive coverage of a field that has grown tremendously in the last 20 years. You’ll get a current symptomatic approach to treating disorders caused by neurotoxic agents, environmental factors—such as heavy metals and pesticides—and more. Apply discussions of cellular and molecular processes and pathology to clinical neurology. Leading authorities and up-and-coming clinical neurotoxicologists present their expertise on wide-ranging, global subjects and debate controversies in the specialty, including Gulf War Syndrome. Provides a complete listing of neurotoxic agents—from manufactured to environmental—so you get comprehensive, clinical coverage. Covers how toxins manifest themselves according to age and co-morbidity so that you can address the needs of all your patients. Offers broad and in-depth coverage of toxins from all over the world through contributions by leading authorities and up-and-coming clinical neurotoxicologists. Features discussion of controversial and unusual topics such as Gulf War Syndrome, Parkinson’s Disease, motor neuron disease, as well as other issues that are still in question.

Nutritional supplement research concerning brain health and neurological disease is becoming an important focus. While nutritional supplements are very popular for general health and well being, the effectiveness of common supplements and their impact on general brain health and for the treatment or prevention of neurological disease is not clearly understood. This comprehensive introduction to bioactive nutraceuticals for brain and neurological provides a foundation review for research neuroscientists, clinical neurologists, pharmacology researchers and nutrition scientists on what we know now about these supplements and the brain and where focused research is still necessary. Foundational review content covering nutrition and brain and neurological health Reviews known nutritional supplements and impact on brain and neurological health Comprehensive coverage ideal for research scientists and clinical practitioners

In this book, the authors present topical research in the study of the types, nutritional composition and health benefits of legumes. Topics discussed include legumes (Bituminaria bituminosa) for grazing and health; nutritional characterization of wild legumes (lathyrus and vicia genera); legumes leading the war against "Diabesity-the obesity-diabetes epidemic"; soybeans nutritional profile and implications for nutrition and health effects; fermentation of lesser known legumes; dark and bright facets of nutritional value of grass pea (lathyrus sativus L.) seeds; lentils (Lens culinaris L.) and their link to better human health; Medicago truncatula as a model organism to study the biology of agriculturally important legume crops; antihypertensive potential of protein hydrolysates from Velvet bean (Mucuna pruriens); use of the herbicide Roundup on soil metals lability and on radish metal uptake; chemical and structural composition of arabinogalactan proteins (AGP) of mesquite (Prosopsis spp); common bean as an emerging model grain legume; the health benefits of legumes; and current update in methodologies for extraction and analysis of proteins and isoflavones.