Coumarins are simple molecules that prevent disease, modulate growth and maturation and defense systems, and may have anti--oxidant properties. This book explores coumarins and their wide range of applications in the long--term control of cellular immunity.

Partial table of contents: History of the Development and Applications of Coumarin and Coumarin-related Compounds (I. Weinmann). The Chemistry and Occurrence of Coumarins (G. Keating & R. O'Kennedy). Coumarin as an Immunomodulator (G. Zlabinger). Mode of Action of Coumarin in the Treatment of Thermal Injuries (N. Piller). The Potential Role of Coumarins in the Therapy of Prostate Cancer (J. Mohler, et al.). Clinical and Biological Observations Associated with Coumarins (R. Thornes). Analysis of Coumarins (D. Bogan, et al.). Suggested Modes of Action of Coumarins and Some Comments on their Significance (R. O'Kennedy & R. Thornes). Index.

Coumarins are a group of compounds that have important roles as food constituents; as anti-oxidants, stabilisers, and immunomodulatory substances; as fluorescent markers for use in analysis, in lasers and in clinical use. Coumarins: Biology, Applications and Mode of Action predominantly focuses on the parent compound, coumarin, and its main metabolite in humans, 7-hydroxycoumarin. It describes in detail every facet of these compounds including history, toxicology, chemistry, metabolism, analysis, clinical, veterinary and other applications, their roles as immunomodulatory agents and speculates on their mode of action. Features include: * New insights into mode of action of coumarins * Comprehensive summary of new coumarin compounds * Detailed accounts of methods used for analysis * Applications of coumarins for diverse methods of analysis This volume will be of interest to those working in biochemistry, chemistry, pharmacology, clinical sciences and toxicology.