1. Introduction to the Chemistry of Medicinal Natural Products

Crude Herb

• A raw, unprocessed form of the medicinal part of a plan, typically dried, powdered, or cut.

• It has undergone no chemical processing.

Plant Extract

A more concentrated preparation obtained through the use of a solvent system.

Herbal Medicine

• A preparation derived from plants (from crude herb, plant extract, or formulation)

• It is used to manage diseases and promote health.

Functional Food

A food that provides health benefits beyond basic nutrition.

Pure Compounds

Isolated chemical compounds produced by living organisms from animals, plants, fungi, and microorganisms that have biological or pharmacological activity.

Natural Product

Organic compounds with biological or pharmacological activity that can be synthesized natively by living organisms such as plants, microorganisms, or animal sources.

Paclitaxel

• A natural product from plant used as an anti-cancer drug.

• Works by inhibiting cell division through effects on microtubules.

Taxus brevifolia

Paclitaxel is from which plant?

macrolide

Erythromycin is what kind of antibiotic?

Conotoxin

Toxins produced by cone snails (family Conidae).

Yes

(Yes or No) If acetic acid comes from an organism itself during fermentation is it considered a natural product?

No

(Yes or No) If it is produced through organic synthesis or made in a laboratory is it considered a natural product?

~150 - <800 amu

As naturally occurring small organic compounds, what is the molecular weight of Natural products?

• Heterocyclic compounds

• Peptides

Natural products may include:

• Proteins

• Carbohydrates

• Nucleic acids

Natural products generally DO NOT include: