Phytochemicals: A Glimpse into their Structural and Biological Variation

Abstract

Higher plants have afforded a plethora of structurally varied biologically active secondary metabolite organic molecules, and accordingly have been subjected to wide experimental scrutiny in countries all over the world. In this short review the promise of just one phytochemical group, the flavonoids, will be focused upon. Compounds of this type which have been recently isolated and characterized in this laboratory, with potential use as cancer chemopreventives, cancer chemotherapeutic agents, and sucrose substitutes, will be described.

Salix caprea inhibits skin carcinogenesis in murine skin: inhibition of oxidative stress, ornithine decarboxylase activity and DNA synthesis

“…The anti-oxidant and anti-tumor property of Salix caprea may be related with the potent antioxidants present in it. Some of the major constituents of Salix caprea such as luteolin, dihydrokaempferol and quercetin have been reported to be effective against many types of tumors in various animal model systems (Mbwambo et al, 1996;Middleton, 1996).…”

Effect ofMelothria maderaspatanaLeaf-Tea Consumption on Blood Pressure, Lipid Profile, Anthropometry, Fibrinogen, Bilirubin, and Albumin Levels in Patients with Hypertension

“…The investigation of medicinal plants used as remedies in traditional folk medicine can be a useful tool to identify several biologically active molecules. 27 Information and the validation of such therapies have moved from a traditional folklore to conventional scientific laboratory analysis and clinical research studies.…”

Vascular effects of aqueous crude extracts of Artemisia verlotorum Lamotte (Compositae): in vivo and in vitro pharmacological studies in rats

“…One approach to the discovery of new drugs is the study of the bioactive constituents of higher plants. The investigation of plants used as remedies in traditional folk medicine can be an interesting tool to identify several biologically active molecules from the 250, 000 higher plant species (Mbwambo et al, 1996).…”