Course Name: BP504 Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry- II (Theory) Third
Year B. Pharm 2024-25 (Sem V)
By the end of this course, the students will be able to -
CO504.1 Recognize key plant biosynthetic pathways, describe metabolite formation, and
apply isotopic techniques to trace their synthesis.
CO504.2 Classify phytochemical-based crude drugs, interpret their actions, perform
tests, and analyze therapeutic relevance.
CO504.3 Recognize, outline, and apply basic methods for phytoconstituents isolation
and analysis.
CO504.4 Use production and estimation techniques, assess pharmaceutical relevance,
and reflect on quality and ethics.
CO504.5 Evaluate extraction methods used to isolate phytoconstituents from medicinal
plants, based on their principles, procedures, and applications.
CO504.6 "Integrate techniques like chromatography, spectroscopy, and electrophoresis
to perform purification and identify phytoconstituents from
Classification of Plant Secondary Metabolites
1. Nitrogen-Containing Compounds
These metabolites contain nitrogen atoms and are mainly derived from amino acids.
A. Alkaloids
Definition: Basic nitrogenous organic compounds possessing significant
physiological activity.
Examples and Sources
Alkaloid Source Plant Therapeutic Use
Belladonna (Atropa
Atropine Antispasmodic, Mydriatic
belladonna)
Opium (Papaver
Morphine Analgesic
somniferum)
Rauwolfia (Rauwolfia
Reserpine Antihypertensive
serpentina)
Vinca (Catharanthus
Vincristine/Vinblastine Anticancer
roseus)
Caffeine Coffee (Coffea arabica) CNS stimulant
Cinchona (Cinchona
Quinine Antimalarial
officinalis)
Classification of Alkaloids
Class Characteristics Examples
True Alkaloids
Derived from amino acids;
N atom in heterocyclic Atropine, Morphine
ring
Protoalkaloids
Derived from amino acids;
N atom outside Ephedrine
heterocyclic ring
Pseudoalkaloids
Not derived from amino
Caffeine
acids
Isoquinoline Alkaloids
Contain isoquinoline
Morphine, Berberine
nucleus
Indole
Alkaloi
ds Contain indole nucleus Reserpine, Vincristine
Contain quinoline nucleus Quinine
Quinoline Alkaloids
B. Cyanogenic Glycosides
Definition: Glycosides that release hydrogen cyanide upon hydrolysis.
Example Source
Amygdalin Bitter Almond (Prunus amygdalus)
Significance: Defense mechanism against herbivores.
C. Glucosinolates
Sulfur- and nitrogen-containing compounds characteristic of Brassicaceae plants.
Example Source
Sinigrin Black Mustard
Sinalbin White Mustard
Uses: Antimicrobial, flavoring agents.
2. Phenolic Compounds
Phenolics contain one or more hydroxyl groups attached to aromatic rings.
A. Simple Phenolics
Example Source Use
Salicin
Analgesic, Anti-
Willow Bark
inflammatory
B. Phenylpropanoids
Derived from the shikimate pathway and possess a C₆–C₃ skeleton.
Example Source Example
Eugenol
Clove Eugenol
Cinnamaldehyde Cinnamon Cinnamaldehyde
Anethole Fennel Anethole
Activities: Antimicrobial, antioxidant, flavoring.
C. Flavonoids
Polyphenolic compounds possessing a C₆–C₃–C₆ skeleton.
Examples
Compound Source
Quercetin Fruits, vegetables
Catechins Tea
Ellagic Acid Pomegranate, berries
Classification
Class Examples
Flavones Apigenin
Flavonols Quercetin
Flavanones Hesperidin
Anthocyanidins Cyanidin
Isoflavones Genistein
Pharmacological Activities
Antioxidant
Anti-inflammatory
Cardioprotective
Anticancer
D. Lignans
Phenylpropanoid dimers formed by coupling of two
phenylpropane units.
Example Source
Podophyllotoxin Podophyllum
Uses: Anticancer agents and precursors for semisynthetic drugs.
E. Tannins
High molecular weight polyphenolic compounds capable of precipitating proteins.
Types
Type Examples
Hydrolysable Tannins Gallotannins, Ellagitannins
Condensed Tannins Catechu tannins
Sources
Drug Source
Catechu Acacia catechu
Pterocarpus Pterocarpus marsupium
Uses
Astringent
Antidiarrheal
Antioxidant
F. Other Phenolics
Group Examples
Curcuminoids Curcumin
Stilbenoids Resveratrol
Bibenzyls Gigantol
Phenanthrenes Denbinobin
3. Terpenoids (Isoprenoids)
Largest class of plant secondary metabolites derived from isoprene (C₅H₈) units.
Class Carbon Units Examples Sources
Monoterpenoids C₁₀ Menthol, Linalool Mentha, Coriander
Artemisinin, β-
Sesquiterpenoids C₁₅ Artemisia, Clove
Caryophyllene
Paclitaxel,
Diterpenoids C₂₀ Taxus, Coleus
Forskolin
Triterpenoids C₃₀ Glycyrrhizin Liquorice
Diosgenin, Dioscorea,
Steroids C₂₇–C₂₉
Sitosterol Soybean
Carotenoids β-Carotene,
C₄₀ Carrot, Tomato
(Tetraterpenoids) Lycopene
Important Therapeutic Examples
Compound Source Use
Artemisinin Artemisia Antimalarial
Paclitaxel Taxus Anticancer
Diosgenin Dioscorea Steroid precursor
Glycyrrhizin Liquorice Anti-inflammatory
4. Glycosides
Compounds containing a sugar (glycone) linked to a non-sugar moiety (aglycone).
A. Cardiac Glycosides
Example Source
Digoxin Digitalis
Digitoxin Digitalis
Use: Congestive heart failure, atrial fibrillation.
B. Anthraquinone Glycosides
Example Source
Sennosides Senna
Aloin Aloes
Use: Laxatives and purgatives.
C. Saponin Glycosides
Example Source
Glycyrrhizin Liquorice
Properties
Foaming action
Surface-active properties
Emulsifying agents
D. Cyanogenic Glycosides
Example Source
Amygdalin Bitter Almond
E. Coumarin Glycosides
Example Source
Esculin Horse Chestnut
Activities: Antioxidant, venotonic.
5. Volatile Oils (Essential Oils)
Volatile aromatic substances obtained mainly by steam distillation.
Major Component Source Plant Chemical Class
Menthol Mentha Monoterpenoid
Eugenol Clove Phenylpropanoid
Cinnamaldehyde Cinnamon Phenylpropanoid
Anethole Fennel Phenylpropanoid
Linalool Coriander Monoterpenoid
Applications
Flavoring agents
Perfumery
Aromatherapy
Antimicrobial preparations
6. Resins and Resin Combinations
Amorphous, non-volatile plant exudates produced naturally or after injury.
Type Examples Sources
True Resins Colophony Pine trees
Oleoresins Ginger Zingiber officinale
Gum Resins Myrrh Commiphora myrrha
Oleo-gum
Asafoetida, Guggul Ferula, Commiphora
Resins
Balsams Benzoin Styrax benzoin
Pharmaceutical Importance
Adhesives
Incense
Anti-inflammatory agents
Flavoring and fragrance industry
Pharmaceutical excipients