OIA2007 PHYTOCHEMICALS

Phytochemicals

Naturally occurring chemical compounds in plants with potential health benefits.

Phytochemistry

The branch of chemistry that deals with the isolation, identification, and study of plant-derived chemicals.

Bioactive Compounds

Plant-derived substances with pharmacological effects, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties.

Phytochemical Screening

A process to identify and isolate bioactive compounds from plants.

Medicinal Plants

Plants containing therapeutic compounds used in traditional and modern medicine.

Alkaloids

Nitrogen-containing compounds with pharmacological activity (e.g., morphine, quinine).

Flavonoids

Polyphenolic compounds with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cardioprotective properties (e.g., quercetin, catechins).

Tannins

Polyphenols with astringent properties, found in tea, oak bark (e.g., ellagitannins).

Terpenoids

Largest class of phytochemicals, responsible for aromas, flavors, and medicinal properties (e.g., menthol, taxol).

Glycosides

Sugar-bound active molecules, some with cardiovascular effects (e.g., digoxin from Digitalis).

Saponins

Surfactant-like molecules with antimicrobial and cholesterol-lowering effects.

Steroids

Organic compounds with a four-ring structure, some with hormonal activity (e.g., corticosteroids, phytoestrogens).

Phenolic Compounds

Antioxidants that protect against oxidative stress (e.g., resveratrol, curcumin).

Leaves

Rich in flavonoids, tannins, and alkaloids (e.g., tea leaves, mint).

Roots & Barks

Contain terpenoids, alkaloids, and tannins (e.g., Cinchona bark (quinine), ginger root).

Fruits & Seeds

Contain flavonoids, carotenoids, and polyphenols (e.g., grape seeds (resveratrol), citrus fruits (hesperidin)).

Whole Plants

Some plants provide multiple phytochemicals from various parts (e.g., Neem, Aloe Vera).

Maceration

Plant material is soaked in a solvent at room temperature to extract bioactive compounds.

Infusion

Plant material is steeped in hot water for extraction.

Decoction

Plant material is boiled to extract heat-stable compounds.

Percolation

A continuous flow of solvent extracts phytochemicals from plant material.

Soxhlet Extraction

Uses repeated cycles of solvent heating and condensation to extract bioactive compounds.

Microwave-Assisted Extraction

Uses microwave radiation to accelerate the extraction process.

Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction

Uses high-frequency sound waves to disrupt plant cells and release phytochemicals.

Enzyme-Assisted Extraction

Uses enzymes to break plant cell walls, releasing bioactive compounds.

Polar Solvents

Water, ethanol, methanol - used for polar compounds like flavonoids.

Nonpolar Solvents

Hexane, chloroform - used for nonpolar compounds like lipids and terpenoids.

Semi-Polar Solvents

Ethyl acetate - used for intermediate polarity compounds.

Alkaloid Tests

Dragendorff’s Test → Orange-red precipitate = Alkaloids present.

Wagner’s Test → Reddish-brown precipitate = Alkaloids present.

Flavonoid Tests

Shinoda’s Test → Pink coloration = Flavonoids present.

Lead Acetate Test → Yellow precipitate = Flavonoids present.

Tannin Tests

Gold Beater’s Skin Test → Brown/black color = Tannins present.

Gelatin Test → White precipitate = Tannins present.

Steroid Tests

Liebermann-Burchard’s Test → Violet/blue-green ring = Steroids present.

Salkowski’s Test → Golden-yellow color = Triterpenes present.

Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC)

Separates compounds using silica gel and solvent migration.

High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC)

Uses high-pressure liquid flow for precise compound separation.

Gas Chromatography (GC)

Separates volatile compounds using gas flow and stationary phase.

Mass Spectroscopy (MS)

Identifies phytochemicals based on their molecular weight and structure.

Antioxidant Effects

Neutralize free radicals (e.g., flavonoids, polyphenols).

Anti-Inflammatory Effects

Reduce inflammation (e.g., curcumin, resveratrol).

Antimicrobial Activity

Inhibit bacterial, viral, and fungal infections (e.g., tannins, saponins).

Cancer Prevention

Some phytochemicals inhibit carcinogenesis (e.g., isothiocyanates, quercetin).