Author: Emily

Stilbenoids are hydroxylated derivatives of stilbene with C6-C2-C6 structure. It belongs to phenylpropanoids family in biochemical terms and shares most of its biosynthesis pathway having chalcones. Stilbenoids could be formed by bacteria and plants. It is naturally formed by various plants when under attack by fungi or bacteria. It occurs naturally and is found in foods such as wine, blueberries and grapes. Its other sources include peanuts and cocoa powder. Stilbenoids are phytoalexins which refers plant synthesizes compounds as a response to abiotic or microbial stress namely fungal infection and exposure to ultraviolet radiation. This activity of combating external stress…

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Also called phytochemicals, phytonutrients are found in plant foods. Lignans are large group of polyphenols available in plants. Some of its examples include enterodiol, enterolignans and enterolactone. Lignans are found in high content in flaxseeds though there are also found in sesame seeds, fruits, berries, whole grains and vegetables. Lignan precursors assist gut bacteria to convert plant lignans into human lignans including enterolactone and enterodiol that have weak estrogenic activity. It is helpful for women’s health because high levels of estrogen leads weak estrogens from lignans to bind some of estrogen receptor sites by lowering total estrogen activity. In case…

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Flavonolignans are natural phenols comprises flavonoid part and lignant part. Flavonolignans arise from oxidative coupling of 3-hydroxyflavonone taxifolin having amidst coniferyl alcohol. An imperative flavonolignans such as silymarin and silybin are formed by Silybrum marianum Gartn. These constituents enclose anti-hepatotoxic properties. Three flavonolignans acquired from flavone tricin are isolated from herb Avena sativa. References: https://www.tankonyvtar.hu/en/tartalom/tamop412A/2011-0016_08_pharmacognosy_2/ch13s02.html

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Chalconoids also called chalcones are natural phenols associated to chalcone. They comprise a central core for various extensive biological compounds. It possesses antifungal, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antitumor properties. Some chalconoids display ability to block voltage dependent potassium channels. Chalcones are considered to be natural aromatase inhibitors and are aromatic ketones having two phenyl rings which intermediates synthesis of various biological compounds. Hydroxychalcones closure causes creation of flavonoid structure. Flavonoids are substances in secondary metabolism of plant having apparel of biological activities. It is a central in Auwers synthesis of flavones. These are sub-class of phytonutrients (group of chemical compounds occurring…

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Aurone is a heterocylic chemical compound and a type of flavonoid. There are 2 isomers of molecule with (E)- and (Z)-configurations. Molecule encloses benzofuran element related with benzylidene associated in position 2. In aurone, chalcone like group is closed into five membered ring rather of six membered ring more typical of flavonoids. References: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aurone

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Isoflavonoids belongs to a class of flavonoid phenolic compounds which are biologically active. Isoflavonoids are also referred as phytoestrogens as isoflavonoid compounds have biological effects by estrogen receptor. Isoflavonoids and associated compounds are used in dietary supplements but scientific and medical community is generally doubtful of their use. Currently, some natural isoflavonoids are recognized as toxins including biliatresone which might cause biliary atresia when infants are exposed to plant product. The broad isoflavonoid group includes various structurally similar groups that includes isoflavonones, isoflavones, isoflavans, rotenoids and pterocarpans. Isoflavonoids are derived from flavonoid biosynthesis pathway by naringenin or liquiritigenin. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QAPjf2MOGZc Dietary…

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Flavonoids constitute a large class of phytochemicals that are widely distributed in the plant kingdom, are found in high amounts in epidermis of leaves or skin of fruits and has crucial roles as secondary metabolites. More than 8000 varieties of flavonoids have been identified, many of which are responsible for the colors of fruits and flower. They are found in fruits, vegetables, tea, wine, grains, roots, stems, and flowers and are thus regularly consumed by humans. Although it has been widely known for centuries that derivatives of plant origin possess a broad spectrum of biological activities, it was first suggested…

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Serine is an ɑ-amino acid which is used in proteins biosynthesis and contains a carboxyl group (which is in the deprotonated –COO− form in physiological conditions), α-amino group (which is in the protonated −NH+3 form under biological conditions) and a side chain which consists of a hydroxymethyl group classified as a polar amino acid. It could be synthesized in human body under normal physiological circumstances which makes it a nonessential amino acid. It is encoded by codons UCC, UCU, UCG, UCA, AGC and AGU. Serine is obtained by hydrolysis of most common proteins constituting 5 to 10 percent by weight…

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Proline with symbol Pro or P, is a proteinogenic amino acid which is used in protein biosynthesis. It incorporates an α-carboxylic acid group (deprotonated −COO− form under biological conditions), an α-amino group (protonated NH2+ form under biological conditions), and a side chain pyrrolidine which classifies it as a nonpolar (at physiological pH), aliphatic amino acid. In humans, it is non-essential which means body could synthesize it from non-essential amino acid L-glutamate. It is also encoded by all codons starting CC (CCU, CCA, CCC, and CCG). It is the only proteinogenic amino acid having secondary amine in that alpha-amino group which…

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Glycine is an amino acid which is a building block for protein. It is regarded as essential amino acid as the body could make it from other chemicals. Typical diet possesses 2 grams of glycine regularly. Its primary sources are protein rich foods such as fish, meat, legumes and dairy. It is used to treat schizophrenia, sleep problems, stroke, metabolic syndrome, benign prostatic hyperplasia and some rare inherited metabolic disorders. It is used to prevent kidneys from harmful side effects of some drugs which are used after organ transplantation and liver from harmful effects of alcohol. It is used to…

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