Ch 4 Part 2: Bioactive Phytochemicals (Terpenes, Tannins, Phytosterols)

difference between terpenes and terpenoids

trick question, they’re two names for the same thing

What can terpenes be found in, generally?

essential oils

aromatics

herbs

allergenic plants

other names for terpenes (2)

terpenoids

isoprenoids

two examples of essential oils with terpenes

limonene

menthol

two examples of non-volatile terpenes

artemisinin

taxol

(they have aroma, but the aroma doesn’t diffuse through the air)

examples of plants with terpenes

pencil cactus

water hemlock

rubber plant (in the latex)

devil’s claw plant (harpagosides)

saponins

terpenes with a soap-like nature

example of saponins

ginsengosides in Panax ginseng

examples of plants with steroidal saponins

fenugreek

wild yam

fenugreek binomial

Trigonella foenum-graecum

(think: greek → Percy Jackson → trident → trigonella)

Where is fenugreek native to?

the Mediterranean

type of compound in fenugreek

steroidal saponins

In what part of fenugreek are steroidal saponins found?

leaves and seeds

effect of fenugreek

cooling effect in the body

wild yam binomial

Dioscorea villosa

Where is wild yam native to?

Central America

compound in wild yam

diosgenin (a steroidal saponin)

What part of wild yam is diosgenin found in?

corms and rhizomes

use of wild yams

can be synthesized to steroidal hormones, e.g. human sex hormones

examples of plants with phytosterols

saw palmetto

soy

pumpkin

another name for phytosterols

plant steroids

glycoside structure

a sugar attached to a glycone

glycone is a non-sugar active group