Guest guest Posted March 9, 2005 Report Share Posted March 9, 2005 The Phytochemistry of Herbs JoAnn Guest Mar 08, 2005 20:44 PST http://www.herbalchem.net/ Herbal Constituents Course in Denver/Boulder area An intensive course on herbal chemistry for practitioners Will be offered in 2005/2006 Dates to be announced Phytochemicals of the Month: Phytoestrogens See the special expanded section on Phytoestrogens and Human Health =============================================== Estradiol (a human estrogen) and genistein (a phytoestrogen) The similarly-placed hydroxyl groups at both ends of these two molecules allow them both to " bind " to human estrogen receptors. Archives: Organosulfur compounds from Garlic Phenolic compounds and flavonoid antioxidants Carotenoids The Importance of Phytochemistry Chemical terms are found everywhere from supplement labels to news items in the popular press to reference works for clinical practitioners. But what is the significance of these chemicals, how are they related, and how do they contribute to the observed actions of the herbs? For the herbalist, understanding plant constituents becomes increasingly important as information continues to accumulate from scientific studies. Knowledge of structures and relationships helps us understand how botanical medicines function in the human body. Phytochemistry also teaches us how to prepare herbal medicines to get the optimal concentrations of known active constituents, and how best to preserve their activities. The Phytochemistry of Herbs answers questions such as: Which phytochemicals are likely to be soluble in different media? Which constituents have demonstrated toxicity and to what degree? What is the theory behind standardization? How do herbal antioxidants work? In addition, specific chemicals and classes of chemicals are explored in detail: How are proanthocyanidins, polyphenols, and flavonoids related? What is the difference between a cardiac glycoside and a cyanogenic glycoside? What does Omega 3 or Omega 6 mean? And what are those notorious pyrrolizidine alkaloids, anyway? Why three levels? This information is available on three levels for those with different kinds of experience. In the Introductory level, phytochemical terms are demystified so that the non-chemist can gain a better understanding of the functions of different plant constituents. The general public, health food and supplement store staff, and others without formal training in botany or chemistry will find this presentation helpful. The Intermediate level addresses the needs of the more scientifically inclined student or clinical herbalist; the material is more detailed and basic chemical structures are discussed. Practitioners who are versed in university-level organic and biochemistry will find the Advanced/Professional level a source of further enlightenment. Using this site: The same topic, but not the exact same material, is covered on all three page levels. I suggest starting with the Introductory page regardless of your training, and then going on to the other pages if more in-depth information is desired. The Introductory, Intermediate, and Advanced pages feature new phytochemicals approximately once a month. The Glossary is designed to explain terms relating to chemistry and phytochemistry that some herbalists may not know. It does not cover specific chemicals which will be covered in the text. The Glossary accumulates relevant terms each month as well. Note that different chemical names may be used for the same compound on different pages. This is because there are often several correct ways to name a compound. I have tried to avoid confusion by repeating the " common " name of a chemical whenever its more detailed chemical name is used. This site focuses on the phytochemistry of herbal medicines rather than on their clinical usage. Brief mention is made of the physiological implications of the constituents, but additional information sources should be sought for the clinical application of this information. Please see the Links page for excellent sites on botanical medicine. Please email me with suggestions or corrections or if you find a dead link. The purple pigmentation displayed by this Amaranth plant indicates the presence of betalain alkaloids. One of these compounds has recently been identified by research at the University of Texas in Austin as being an outstanding antioxidant, among the most potent yet discovered in phytochemistry. Other plants bearing betalain alkaloids include Beets, Swiss Chard, Spinach, Prickly Pear Cactus, Lambs Quarters, Purslane, and Pokeberries. Most other herbs and fruits that have a purple/blue/red pigmentation get their color from anthocyanins, which are a type of flavonoid. _________________ JoAnn Guest mrsjo- DietaryTi- www.geocities.com/mrsjoguest/Genes AIM Barleygreen " Wisdom of the Past, Food of the Future " http://www.geocities.com/mrsjoguest/Diets.html Celebrate 's 10th Birthday! Netrospective: 100 Moments of the Web Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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