Chemistry of Natural Products

This book delivers a clear and authoritative guide to the chemistry of natural products and their central role in pharmaceutical sciences. Readers gain a practical understanding of how bioactive compounds are sourced from plants, isolated, and structurally characterized using modern chromatographic and spectroscopic techniques. By connecting primary and secondary metabolism to real-world drug discovery, the volume builds a strong conceptual foundation for exploring nature as a reservoir of therapeutic agents. Across expertly curated chapters, the book explains key classes of secondary metabolites—phenolic compounds, flavonoids, alkaloids, and terpenoids—and shows how their structures relate to biological activity. It further examines biogenetic pathways and structure–activity relationships, equipping readers to interpret current research and design informed experimental strategies. In addition to core chemistry, the text addresses practical considerations such as extraction methods, analytical workflows, and quality control in herbal medicines. This integrated approach helps readers bridge theory and application, from laboratory techniques to pharmaceutical relevance. Ideal for advanced students, researchers, and professionals, this book enables readers to navigate the complexity of natural product chemistry with confidence—whether to support study, inform research, or advance drug development grounded in natural sources.