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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).
