Plant Signatures and Biological Activity

Vocabulary flashcards covering various plants, their signature chemical associations, and significance based on lecture notes.

American ginseng

Associated with ginsenosides or panaxosides as an adaptogen; features a single stem with a whorl of leaves and red berries in late summer.

Arnica

Contains helenalin used topically for aches, bruises, and swelling; internal use is risky and cold stratification helps release seed dormancy.

Burdock

Source of inulin, a soluble fiber and prebiotic; first-year root is harvested in early fall before flowering.

Horseradish

Contains sinigrin which becomes allyl isothiocyanate; cutting or grating produces pungency and irritation, with antimicrobial isothiocyanates.

Cilantro

Associated with aldehydes and genetic variation near OR6A2, explaining why some people perceive a soapy flavor.

Wormwood

Contains bitter absinthin versus thujone, where high thujone exposure is neurotoxic.

Sweet wormwood

Source of artemisinin from Artemisia annua, connected to Tu Youyou and malaria treatment.

Peppermint

Contains menthol which activates TRPM8 to produce a cooling sensation.

Spearmint

Carvone dominant, which explains its different flavor compared with peppermint.

Pennyroyal

Contains pulegone; concentrated essential oil is highly toxic and may cause severe poisoning, abortion, or death.

White marsh mallow

Source of mucilage, a soothing complex carbohydrate that coats irritated tissue.

Rosemary

Contains carnosic acid, carnosol, and rosmarinic acid essential oil; phenolics neutralize free radicals and oil constituents may act synergistically against microbes.

St Johns wort

Contains hypericin (which may cause photosensitivity) and hyperforin (which contributes to drug interactions).

Foxglove

Source of digitoxin, a heart stimulant with a narrow safety margin where excessive dose can be fatal.

Opium poppy

Source of morphine and codeine alkaloids occurring in latex from Papaver somniferum capsules.

Belladonna

Contains atropine and scopolamine, causing pupil dilation and sympathetic effects; potent and toxic.

Willow

Source of salicylic acid, with a name linked to Salix.

Mayapple

Contains podophyllotoxin; all parts except the fruit are emphasized as highly toxic.

Pokeweed

Exhibits broad plant toxicity where stem through berries are poisonous; contrasted with elderberry.

Black cohosh

Exhibits serotonin-receptor interaction; hot flash effects are not explained simply by direct estrogenic activity.

Soapwort

Contains triterpenoid saponins that create a soapy lather in water.

Marigold

Contains lutein and triterpenoid esters; known for carotenoid pigment and anti-inflammatory activity.

Plantain

Crushed leaves used as a field dressing; Plantago major was called Indian's Band-Aid.

Catnip

Contains nepetalactone, associated with sedative effects and insect repellency.

Madagascar periwinkle

Source of vinblastine and vincristine, which are important anticancer compounds.

Sassafras

Contains safrole, a flavor compound associated with carcinogenic risk at large doses and banned from commercial products.

Ramps

Contains quercetin and vitamin C; traditional Appalachian spring tonic.

Bloodroot

Contains sanguinarine, a toxic alkaloid associated with oral leukoplakia concerns.

Yaupon

Contains caffeine; used to make North American Black Drink or Cassena for social, spiritual, and ceremonial purposes.

Echinacea

Contains caffeic acid derivatives, alkamides, and polysaccharides; presented as an immune-system stimulant whose compounds can be studied with GC-MS.

Goldenseal

Contains berberine, hydrastine, and canadine; features a medicinal yellow-orange rhizome and discussed in laying-hen research.

Black walnut

Hydrojuglone oxidizes to juglone, an allelopathic compound that can inhibit nearby plants and respiration.

Amaranth

Contains tannins and saponins, which contribute to astringency.