Leela, N K; Madhavan Pillai, P; Dr. Vijay Nair, G(Regional Research Laboratory (CSIR), July , 2002)
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Abstract:
In the present scenario, there is an increasing demand for natural products in
food industry, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and agricultural sectors. In this context
phytochemical study to identify newer chemicals has got great relevance.
Phytochemical studies have become more reliable and encouraging with the
development of modern analytical techniques.In the present work the leaves of Piper colubrinum (Piperaceae), aerial parts
of Mussaenda fiondosa (Rubiaceae) and Humboldtia vahliana (Leguminosae) and
the pericarp of fruits of Artocarpus heterophyllus (Moraceae) were investigated for
their secondary metabolites. The major compounds isolated belong to the groups of
flavonoids and triterpenoids.Naturally occurring flavonoids have been used widely in chemotaxonomic
studies of plants. Flavones and flavonols constitute a group of biosynthetically
related natural products. No universal function has been established for flavones
and flavonols in plants. However, many functions in individual plants have been
demonstrated. These include protection of plants from ultraviolet light, insects and
pests; pollinator attractants; antioxidants; plant hormone controllers; enzyme
inhibitors and allelopathic agents. Flavonoids are attracting the attention of medical
scientists in recent years because of their anticarcinogenic, antiallergic and antiinflammatory
properties. The recent discovery that flavonoids are involved in the
process of nitrogen fixation in plants also opens the way for agricultural application
of these constituents.Triterpenoids are another class of compounds that are ubiquitous in plants.
Some triterpenoids present in the latex and resins of plants are believed to be
involved in chemical defence against pathogens and herbivores. Triterpenoids
possess various biological properties including anti-inflammatory, antifeedant,
pesticidal, fungitoxic and antimicrobial activities. Triterpenoids with cytotoxic
activity and inhibitory effect on seed germination are also known.