Foreword

The book series ‘Bentham Briefs in Biomedicine and Pharmacotherapy’ is dedicated to a comprehensive understanding of pharmacology and its role in treating different diseases. The third volume, ‘Anthraquinones: Bioactive Multifaceted Therapeutic Agents’ explores the realms of anthraquinones. These pharmacologically active molecules exhibit a diverse range of structural variations and different applications. Few enzymes in their biosynthetic pathways can bring out huge diversity as they can work on a large number of similar substrates having minor modifications at different positions. This book explores various aspects of anthraquinones, including their chemical structures, biosynthetic pathways, therapeutic potential, and potential applications in cancer treatment and nanotechnology. Anthraquinones are already in use for chemotherapy of various cancers. However, creating nanoparticles of these molecules brings out a new dimension in more effective delivery of these molecules, aimed at better effectiveness and reduced toxicity. Each chapter meticulously unravels the layers of complexity surrounding these compounds, offering a panoramic view of their current scientific and practical relevance. These chapters also illuminate the future pathways they may traverse, especially in the realm of nanotechnology-enhanced therapies. I am confident that this handbook will inspire readers to actively explore, critically analyze, and collaborate in order to further advance the understanding and utilization of anthraquinones in various fields.