Pharmacognosy & Phytochemistry II

Mentha (Mint): General Introduction, Composition, Chemistry, Bio-Sources, Therapeutic Uses, and Commercial Applications

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General Introduction Mentha, commonly known as mint, is a genus of plants belonging to the Lamiaceae family, comprising about 25-30 species. These aromatic perennials are native to Europe, Asia, North America, and Africa. Mint plants are well known for their refreshing aroma, cooling sensation, and diverse applications in food, cosmetics, medicine, and aromatherapy. The most … Read more

Volatile Oils

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Introduction Volatile oils, also known as essential oils, are concentrated hydrophobic liquids containing volatile aroma compounds extracted from plants. They are termed “volatile” due to their ability to evaporate at room temperature, thus readily releasing their aromatic components into the air. These oils are responsible for the characteristic fragrances of plants and are widely used … Read more

Digitalis: General Introduction, Composition, Chemistry, Bio-Sources, Therapeutic Uses, and Commercial Applications

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General Introduction Digitalis is a genus of about 20 species of herbaceous perennials, shrubs, and biennials commonly known as foxgloves. The most commonly known species within this genus, Digitalis purpurea (the common foxglove), has been used medicinally for centuries, primarily for its cardiac glycosides, which are compounds that influence heart function. Digitalis is native to … Read more

Dioscorea: Introduction, Composition, Chemistry, Bio-Sources etc

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General Introduction Dioscorea, commonly known as “Yam,” refers to a genus of tuberous plants in the family Dioscoreaceae. This genus includes over 600 species, many of which are valued for their edible tubers and medicinal properties. Dioscorea species are native to tropical and subtropical regions, including Africa, Asia, and Central and South America. They are … Read more

Liquorice: General Introduction, Composition, Chemistry, Bio-Sources, Therapeutic Uses, and Commercial Applications

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General Introduction Liquorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra), also spelled as “Licorice,” is a perennial herb that belongs to the Fabaceae family. The plant is native to Southern Europe, the Middle East, and parts of Asia, including India and China. The name “liquorice” is derived from the Greek words “glukos” (sweet) and “riza” (root), reflecting the plant’s sweet-tasting … Read more

Steroids, Cardiac Glycosides & Triterpenoids

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Definition of Steroids: Steroids are a class of organic compounds characterized by a core structure of 17 carbon atoms arranged in four fused rings: three cyclohexane rings (A, B, and C) and one cyclopentane ring (D). This core structure, known as the “steroid nucleus” or “cyclopentanoperhydrophenanthrene ring system,” serves as the foundation for a wide … Read more

Ruta: General Introduction, Composition, Chemistry, Bio-Sources, Therapeutic Uses, and Commercial Applications

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General Introduction Ruta, commonly known as Rue, refers to a group of perennial herbs belonging to the genus Ruta, with Ruta graveolens (commonly called common rue or herb of grace) being the most widely known and utilized species. Native to the Mediterranean region, Ruta has been cultivated for centuries for its aromatic leaves, which have … Read more

Tea: General Introduction, Composition, Chemistry, Bio-Sources, Therapeutic Uses, and Commercial Applications

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 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

Lignans: General Introduction, Composition, Chemistry, Bio-Sources, Therapeutic Uses, and Commercial Applications

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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

Phenylpropanoids and Flavonoids

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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