The Porphyrin Handbook, Volume 14: Medical Aspects of Porphyrins provides information pertinent to every aspect of the chemistry, synthesis, spectroscopy, and structure of phthalocyanines. This book examines the biology and medical implications of porphyrin systems. Organized into 12 chapters, this volume begins with an overview of the underlying diagnostic features, mechanisms, and available treatments of erythropoietic disorders due to defective heme biosynthesis. This text then examines the physiopathology of acute intermittent porphyria, which is transmitted as autosomal dominant disorders with incomplete penetrance. Other chapters consider the main characteristics of congenital erythropoietic porphyria, which includes an increased synthesis, accumulation, ad excretion of porphyrins. This book discusses as well the biochemistry, pathophysiology, and clinical features of variegate porphyria in the light of several essential advances in the understanding, management, and diagnosis of variegate porphyria. The final chapter deals with the legal use of herbal and complementary medicines. This book is a valuable resource for research scientists, engineers, and clinicians.