Description - Phycotoxins by Luis M. Botana
For centuries, mankind has been aware that some edible and non-edible marine products contain toxins or poisons. Such harmful substances come from many sources - pollution, bacteria, seaweeds, algae, and others. The word phycotoxins means toxins made by certain seaweeds and algae (phyco refers to, among other things, seaweeds and algae). The people of many Asian countries have been eating seaweeds and algae for thousands of years. But, of course, they only eat those that are safe. If a person gets sick or dies from eating certain seaweeds and algae, others will avoid eating similar marine plants. Unfortunately, many such toxins accumulate or concentrate up the food chain in the oceans or lakes. The toxins so accumulated in other edible aquatic products (fish, shellfish, etc. ), when reached a certain level, can pose harm to people under various circumstances. Thus, they may pose a threat to those countries where people do not eat seaweeds or algae. Phycotoxins: Chemistry and Biochemistry presents the most updated information available on phycotoxins.
Major emphases are given to chemistry and biochemistry, while minor emphases are given to the aspects of origin, mechanism of action, toxicology, and analytical methodology. The book discusses 16 phycotoxins, 7 on those affecting the nervous systems, 4 affecting other body systems; and 4 with undefined targets. An alphabetical listing of toxins presented includes: Azaspiracids; Brevetoxins; Ciguatera toxins; Cyanobacterial toxins; Cyanobacterial toxins; Domoic acid; Gambierols; Gymnodimines, prorocentrolides, spirolides, pinnatoxins and other toxins; Maitotoxin; Okadaic acid and dinophysistoxins; Palytoxins and ostreocins; Pectenotoxins; Pfiesteria toxins; Polycavernosides; Saxitoxins; and Yessotoxins. In addition, several newer or emerging toxins are covered including amphidinols, prymnesins, and gymnocine. The book is divided into 3 sections according to the harmful effect of these toxins on different tissues, organs, or systems of the human body.
Information presented and coverage of each toxin follows the following distribution: background and toxicology (10 per cent); chemistry, biochemistry and metabolism (75 per cent); mechanism of action (10 per cent); and anlaytical methodology (5 per cent). The detailed information on chemistry in Phycotoxins: Chemistry and Biochemistry will provide investigators an updated basis on which research in other areas such as toxicology, mechanism of action, analytical methodology, pharmacology can be successfully developed and expanded
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