This book presents the results of comprehensive research of an inadequately studied class of secondary plant metabolites: phytoecdysteroids, which are structural analogs of the hormones of molting and metamorphosis of arthropods. The chemical structures of ecdysteroids isolated from plants of the genera Ajuga, Rhaponticum, and Silene have been established. Data on the physicochemical characteristics, reactivity, metabolism, and biological activity of these compounds are presented in this book. Considerations of the role of ecdysteroids in plants are expressed and data on their...