BIOCHEM 9 2012

UNIT I. INTRODUCTION

PHYTOCHEMISTRY study of phytochemicals

Phytochemicals chemical compounds naturally occurring in plants

Ecology scientific analysis and study of interactions among organisms and their environment

Ecosystem a community of living organisms interacting in a system

Pharmacognosy study of medicines derived from natural sources

Pharmacology study of drug action

NATURAL PRODUCTS CHEMISTRY

 organic compounds of natural origin

 restricted occurrence: unique to one organism, or common to small group of close related organisms
 of no apparent utility: non-essential to the plant, insect or microorganism
 play important role in defense and survival
 used by humans for medicine, flavorings and poison

Primary Metabolites - essential for life

carbohydrates nucleosides amino acids
proteins enzymes fatty acids

Secondary Metabolites- of restricted occurrence and of no apparent utility

phenolics terpenoids polyketides
alkaloids flavonoids fatty acids

Applications

Medicine
 ephedrine (stimulant, appetite suppressant
 ricinine (castor oil, purgative)
 salicin (natural analogue of aspirin, anti-inflammatory)

Poisons
 strychnine (pesticide, cause convulsion and asphyxia
 coniine (cause respiratory paralysis, from hemlock)
 rotinone (fish poison)

Narcotics
 morphine (opium)

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 BIOCHEM 9 2012

 tetrahydrocannabinol (hashish)
 cocaine (coca plant)

Stimulant
 caffeine

Perfumes and Spices

 geraniol (rose oil)
 eugenol (cloves)
 cinnamaldehyde
 diallyl disulphide (garlic)

Sources
 terrestrial plants
 microorganisms
 marine organisms
 animals

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