School Science Lessons
(topic16g)
2025-06-27
Phytochemicals
Contents
Araloside
Aspidin
Astragaloside
Betavulgarin
Brassicasterol
Brazilin
Charantin
Daidzin
Daidzein
Eleutheroside
Eriodictiol
Esculeoside
Estradiol
Formononetin
Genistein
Glycone and aglycone
Gymnemic acid
Haeme
Hederin
Hesperetin
Irilone
Magnolol
Matairesinol
Menthol
Myrosinase
Ononin
Phenanthracene
Picein
Protodioscin
Rottlerin
Silybin
Tangshenoside
Araloside
Araloside, C47H74O18, Chikusetsusaponin IV, a triterpenoid saponin, occurs in Japanese angelica tree, Aralia alata, Caragana sinica, and in Panax pseudoginseng.
Aspidin
Aspidin, C25H32O8, polystichin, occurs in Aspidium, in Dryopteris, antihelminthic
It occurs in Aspidium roots, in Dryopteris, antihelminthic.
Astragalosides
Astragalosides are chemicals from Astragalus, for example:
Astragaloside IV, C41H68O14, is a pentacyclic triterpenoid, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, antioxidant.
It assists new blood vessels formation, and it inhibits formation of abnormal fibrous tissues.
"Astragaloside IV Astragalus Root Extract Powder" is sold as a health food.
Betavulgarin
Betavulgarin, C17H12O6, antifungal isoflavonoid, an hydroxyisoflavone, occurs in Beta vulgaris, B, lomatogona, and in Iris tingitana
It occurs in Beta vulgaris,
See diagram 16.3.5.4: Betavulgarin
"Brassicasterol
Brassicasterol, C28H46O, a phytosterol, a component of plant cell membranes, occurs in seed oil of Brassica rapis.
It is used as a biomarker for the presence of marine algae
Brazilin
Brazilin, C16H14O5, is an organic heterotetracyclic compound, is a red pigment.
It occurs as a red pigment, Natural Red 24, in Caesalpinia echinata (Brazil-wood) or Caesalpinia sappan (sappan-wood).
"Brazil wood" was originally called "bresel wood".
Charantin
Charantin, glucoside, (C35H60O6) + (C35H58O6), hypoglycaemic so may cause low blood sugar, in Asian bitter melon (Momordica charantia)
Daidzin,
Daidzin, C21H20O9, isoflavone, anti-oxidant, daidzoside, anti-carcinogenic, anti-antheroscerotic
It occurs in TCM Chinese medicine and it is used to treat alcohol abuse.
It occurs in Pueraria lobata, kudzu.
Daidzein
Daidzein, C15H10O4, dihydroxyisoflavone, a phytoestrogen, is anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, antioxidant, phytoestrogenic, antineoplastic.
It occurs in soybean, tofu, alfalfa sprouts, red clover, chickpeas, peanuts, kudzu, Streptomyces padanus, and in Glycine soja.
Equol, C15H14O3, (S)-Equol, a hydroxyisoflavan, is the main active product of daidzein metabolism produced by microflora in the gut.
It is a biomarker for the consumption of soy beans and other soy products.
It occurs in Punica granatum.
Daidzin, C21H20O9, a glycosyloxyisoflavone, anti-oxidant, anti-carcinogenic, anti-antheroscerotic, in TCM Chinese medicine, is used to treat alcohol abuse.
It occurs in Pueraria lobata, Salvia hispanica, and Begonia nantoensis.
Eleutheroside
Eleutheroside B, C17H24O9, syringin, phenyl propanoid glycoside occurs in Siberian ginseng, Syringa vulgaris, lilac bark
Eleutheroside A, C35H60O6, daucosterol, saponin and sterol glycoside, in Siberian ginseng
Eriodictiol
Eriodictiol, C15H12O6, eriodictyol, a tetrahydroxyflavanone, flavanone glycoside
It occurs in Camellia sinensis, Prunus serrulata, and citrus fruits.
Esculeoside
Esculeoside A, C56H95NO29, a steroid alkaloid, glycoside, a steroid saponin, occurs in Solanum lycopersicum, cherry tomato.
Estradiol
Estradiol, C18H24O2, oestradiol, female sex hormone, an estrogen (oestrogen), an hydroxy steroid, female growth hormone for reproductive organs.
It is used in contraceptives (OCPs), but the synthetic steroid ethinyl estradiol, C20H24O2, is more suitable for oral contraception.
It is commercially available in hormone therapy products for treating menopause problems, such as hot flashes.
It is used in oral tablets, vaginal rings, transdermal patches, sprays, gels, and creams.
See diagram 16.3.5.3. Cholesterol, cholic acid, bile salt, estradiol, progesterone, northindrone
Formononetin
Formononetin, C16H12O4, Biochanin B. Formononetol, a methoxyisoflavone, a phytoestrogen
It occurs in n Dalbergia nigrescens, and in Glycyrrhiza pallidiflora.
It caused reproductive malfunction, "clover disease”, in Australian sheep grazing on subterranean clover (Trifolium subterraneum)
Genistein
Genistein, C15H10O5, an isoflavone, phytoestrogen, antineoplastic, from soy products, induces apoptosis, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-atherosclerosis
It is used as an antineoplastic and antitumor agent.
Genistein has antihelmintic activity, and it is the active ingredient in Felmingia vestita, is a plant traditionally used against worms infections of humans
It has shown to be effective in the treatment of common liver fluke, pork trematode and poultry cestode.
It has been investigated in clinical trials as an alternative to classical hormone therapy to help prevent cardiovascular disease in postmenopausal women.
Natural sources of genistein include tofu, fava beans, soybeans, kudzu, Salvia hispanica, and Glycine soja.
It has antihelmintic activity, and it is the active ingredient in Felmingia vestita, traditionally used against worms, liver fluke, pork trematode and poultry cestode
It may be an alternative to classical hormone therapy to help prevent cardiovascular disease in postmenopausal women.
Natural sources of genistein include tofu, fava beans, soybeans, kudzu, Salvia hispanica, and Glycine soja.
Glycone and aglycone
glycoside (hydrolysis) --> glycone (sugar group) + aglycone (non-sugar group)
The sugar group is called a "glycone" and the non-sugar group is called an "aglycone".
The glycone can consist of a single sugar group (monosaccharide) or several sugar groups (oligosaccharide).
Upon hydrolysis, a sugar and non-sugar component (aglycone) are formed.
An aglycone, is the non-sugar component formed when a glycoside is hydrolysed.
It is the non-sugar compound remaining after replacement of the glycosyl group from a glycoside by a hydrogen atom.
See diagram: Fructose, Glycosyl group.
For example
Vanilla species --> pods --> Glucovanillin, (a glucoside) + β-glucosidase enzyme --> vanillin
Glucovanillin (hydrolysis) --> glycone glucose + aglycone vanillin
C14H18O8 + (glucosidase) --> C6H12O6 + C8H8O3
Gymnemic acid
Gymnemic acid I, C43H66O14, triterpenoid glycoside, triterpenoid saponin, flavour modifier, makes food tasteless, occurs in Gymnema sylvestre leaves.
Haeme
Haeme C49H56O6N4Fe, (heme), occurs in haemoglobin, a globular protein in animals
Haeme A, is a cytochrome oxidase ligand complex, (Greek haîma blood + Latin globus ball, sphere)
Haemoglobin is the protein that carries oxygen in the blood.
The haem group causes the red colour of blood.
The different kinds of haem are Haeme A, B, C and O.
Haeme A is a cytochrome oxidase ligand complex, C49H56O6N4Fe, a tetradentate ligand.
The most common type is Haeme B, C34H32O4N4Fe.
The "quaternary proteins" have four joined tertiary proteins, e.g. haemoglobin.
The "transition metals" form complex ions and often have catalytic activity, e.g. Fe in haemoglobin molecule.
Porphyrin chelates include haeme, in haemoglobin, bonded to iron (II) ion, and chlorophyll bonded to Mg (II) ion.
Haeme: See diagram 16.3.5.2.1
Carbon monoxide: 16.4.3
Danger of vehicle exhausts, tailpipe gases: 18.6.3
Ferratin
Fibrous proteins and globular proteins: 16.6.0, (See: 1.)
Glycosylated haemoglobin: 19.1.30
Iron
Luminol tests for blood: 14.3.1
Legheamoglobin
Porphyrins, porphine
Tests for haemoglobin, ABAcardHema Trace test: 9.1.14
Tests for glucose, Glycosylated haemoglobin test: 19.1.30
Tests for haemoglobin, Hematrace test: 9.1.14
Tetrapyrroles, Haeme
TMB test for blood: 9.1.15
Haeme
See diagram 16.3.5.4. Bilin, C19H14N4, a linear tetrapyrrole
See diagram 16.3.5.2.1. Haeme (heme), C49H56O6N4Fe
See diagram 16.3.5.2.2 Tetrapyrroles
See diagram, Biliverdin, a bile pigment, C33H32N4O6-2
Leghemoglobin
Leghemoglobin, a protein that carries heme is a phytoglobin, a globular plant protein, which occurs in nitrogen-fixing bacteria, and in the root nodules of legumes.
It is an oxygen carrier and a hemoprotein, produced by legumes occurs in response to the roots being infected by nitrogen-fixing bacteria, Rhizobium.
Like haemoglobin, it is red in colour and is an essential component for nitrogen fixation by legumes.
Hederin
Alpha-Hederin, C41H66O12, koronaroside A, a pentacyclic triterpenoid saponin, anti-inflammatory, antifungal, strong haemolytiic activity
It occurs in stem bark of Kalopanax pictus, Nigella sativa, Lonicera macrantha, and in Anemone taipaiensis.
Beta-Hederin, C41H66O11, eleutheroside K, a triterpenoid saponin, antifungal, strong haemolytic activity
Beta-Hederin occurs in ivy Hedera helix leaves, Akebia quinata, and Anemoclema sp.
Hesperetin
Hesperetin, C16H14O6, a trihydroxyflavanone, antioxidant, antineoplastic agent, the predominant flavonoid in lemons and oranges
It occurs in Camellia sinensis.
Irilone
Irilone, C16H10O6, a methylenedioxyisoflavone, an hydroxyisoflavone, immunomodulator, antineoplastic agent, inhibits growth of malignant cells
It occurs in Trifolium pratense (red clover), and Iris species
It occurs in herbs and spices, and in Trifolium pratense (red clover).
Magnolol
Magnolol, C18H18O2, a biphenyldiol, in traditional herbal medicine, antifungal, in bark of Magnolia grandiflora, and in M officinalis.
Matairesinol
Matairesinol, C20H22O6, a phenylpropanoid, lignan, gamma-butyrolactone, phytoestrogen
It occurs in flax seed, sesame seed, rye bran and meal, oat bran, poppy seed, strawberries, blackcurrants, broccoli.
Menthol
1. Menthol, C10H20O, C10H19OH, dl-Menthol, (2-Isopropyl-5-methylcyclohexanol), is a white crystalline solid with a peppermint odour and taste.
Menthol is an organic compound made synthetically or obtained from peppermint or mint oils with flavoring and local anesthetic properties.
Menthol, hexahydrothymol, a monoterpene, peppermint camphor (a methyl cyclohexanol) (mint flavour, peppermint flavour), eight sterioisomers
Menthol, mint camphorrubifacient, white crystalline organic compound resembling camphor, extracted from oil of peppermint.
This compound is solid at room temperature and melts at about 37 oC.
2. Menthol is used occurs in perfumes, menthol cigarettes, mild topical anaesthetic, and as a mint flavouring.
Menthol binds to receptors on temperature-sensin nerve cells to give cooling sensation.
Menthol is antipruritic, reduces itching, so is used for relief of minor sore throat and mouth irritation.
When added to pharmaceuticals and foods, menthol functions as a fortifier for peppermint flavours.
It has a counterirritant effect on skin and mucous membranes, thereby producing a local analgesic or anesthetic effect.
The pure solution may damage eyes and sensitize skin, but < 10 mg occurs in throat medicine lozenges is harmless.
3. Menthol occurs in the peppermint plant, a hybrid mint (Mentha X piperita) and in wild mint (Mentha arvensis).
Spearmint, "mint", garden mint, (Mentha spicata), Lamiaceae
It occurs in peppermint leaves, where the concentration of menthol increase with age.
Menthol breaks down with heating, so peppermint leaf is not usually cooked.
Apiole, parsley, celery leaf
Carnosol
Carvacrol, oregano, thyme, pepperwort, wild bergamot
Dillapiole, dill weed, fennel root
Myrosinase
Myrosinase enzyme, also called glucosinolase, thioglucosidase, thioglucoside glucohydrolase.
Myrosinase enzyme is a singrinase and a sinigrase.
It can catalyze the hydrolysis of glucosinolates. glucosinolate + myrosinase --> toxic compounds to deter grazing.
glucosinolate + myrosinase --> glucose + isothionate
glucosinate + myrosinase --> thiocynates (SCN-), and nitriles (R-C triple bond N)
Ononin
Ononin, C22H22O9, isoflavone glucoside, formononetin-7-O-glucoside, Chinese medicine.
It occurs in Radix astragali, Daphnia pulex, and Astragalus hoantchy.
, idth="100%" size="2">Pallidol
Pallidol, C28H22O6, a tetracyclic stilbenoid, antioxidant, antifungal, polyphenol
It occurs in red wine, Cissus, and Parthenocissus.
Phenanthracene
Phenanthracene, C14H10, phenanthrin, colourless monoclinic crystals, faint aromatic smell, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon
It consists of three fused benzene rings.
It occurs in Nicotiana tabacum, and in Buddleja lindleyana
Phenanthrene is a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) with formula C14H10.
Picein
Picein, C14H18O7, glycoside, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties in cellular and plant studies, occurs in Rhodiola crenulata, and Salvia officinalis.
Protodioscin
Protodioscin, C51H84O22, glycoside, steroid saponin, beta-D-glucoside, pentacyclic triterpenoid
It occurs in aphrodisiac Puncture vine, (Tribulus terrestris), yams, asparagus, fenugreek, and in Dioscorea sp.
Rottlerin
Rottlerin, C30H28O8, mallotoxin, pink-brown pigment, in Rottleria, and in Mallotus, toxic, antihelminthic used to treat tumours in India, used as silk dye.
Silybin
Silybin, C25H22O10, silibinin, a flavonolignan, polyphenol, antioxidant, antineoplastic, anticancer, protect liver cells against toxins.
It occurs in milk thistle, Silybum marianum, Silybum eburneum, and in Aspergillus iizukae.
Tangshenoside
Tangshenoside I, C29H42O18, a pentanoic acid, occurs in Codonopsis pilosula.
Dang shen, and Codonopsis tangshen are plants widely and used in traditional Chinese medicine.
Pterocarpans, occurs only occurs in Fabaceae, e.g. Phaseolin, C20H10O4, phytoalexin, It occurs in Phaseolus vulgaris, French bean, Fabaceae, and in the stems of Erythrina subumbrans.