General Introduction Tea is one of the most widely consumed beverages in the world, second only to water. It is derived from the leaves of the plant Camellia sinensis, an evergreen shrub native to East Asia. The history of tea dates back over 5,000 years, with its origins in China, where it was initially used … Read more
General Introduction Lignans are a diverse group of natural polyphenolic compounds found primarily in plants. They are a subgroup of non-flavonoid polyphenols, derived from the oxidative coupling of two phenylpropanoid units (C6-C3). Lignans are biosynthesized from phenylalanine through the shikimic acid pathway. They are structurally characterized by a 2,3-dibenzylbutane skeleton, forming a unique class of … Read more
Definition of Phenylpropanoids: Phenylpropanoids are a large class of plant secondary metabolites derived from the amino acid phenylalanine through the phenylpropanoid pathway. These compounds are characterized by a basic structure of a C6-C3 skeleton, which consists of a benzene ring (C6) linked to a three-carbon propene chain (C3). Phenylpropanoids are diverse in structure and function, … Read more
General Introduction Opium is a complex, resinous substance derived from the dried latex of the opium poppy (Papaver somniferum), a plant native to the Mediterranean region. It has been used for thousands of years for its psychoactive and analgesic properties. The plant is cultivated worldwide for its valuable alkaloids, which have significant medical and recreational … Read more
General Introduction Belladonna (Atropa belladonna), also known as deadly nightshade, is a perennial herbaceous plant belonging to the Solanaceae family. It is renowned for its toxic properties and medicinal uses due to its content of tropane alkaloids. Historically, belladonna has been used in various cultures for its pharmacological effects, including its ability to dilate the … Read more
General Introduction Rauwolfia is a genus of flowering plants in the family Apocynaceae. The most prominent species, Rauwolfia serpentina, commonly known as Indian snakeroot, serpentine root, or Sarpagandha, has been used in traditional medicine for centuries. The genus is renowned for its medicinal alkaloids, particularly reserpine, which has played a significant role in the development … Read more
Definition of Alkaloids Alkaloids are a diverse group of naturally occurring organic compounds that primarily contain basic nitrogen atoms. They are typically derived from plant and animal sources and have significant pharmacological effects on humans and other animals. Alkaloids are known for their wide range of biological activities and are often used in medicine, agriculture, … Read more
The Amino Acid Pathway is a critical metabolic route that not only contributes to protein synthesis but also serves as a precursor for a wide variety of secondary metabolites. These secondary metabolites, derived from amino acids, play significant roles in plant defense, pigmentation, aroma, flavor, and therapeutic applications. Amino acid-derived secondary metabolites include alkaloids, glucosinolates, … Read more
The Acetate Pathway, also known as the Polyketide Pathway, is a fundamental metabolic route in organisms like plants, fungi, and bacteria. This pathway plays a critical role in the biosynthesis of a wide range of secondary metabolites, such as fatty acids, polyketides, prostaglandins, and various antibiotics. The acetate pathway derives its name from its precursor, … Read more
The Shikimic Acid Pathway is an essential metabolic route in plants, fungi, and some bacteria, leading to the synthesis of aromatic amino acids and a diverse range of secondary metabolites. This pathway plays a central role in the metabolism of these organisms, connecting carbohydrate metabolism with the biosynthesis of phenylpropanoids, alkaloids, and other aromatic compounds. … Read more
