February Phytochemicals - Chemistry of the herb Rosemary

Happy #PhytochemicalFriday! Today: tanshinones - diterpenoid compounds from medicinal herb Salvia miltiorrhiza (Red shage, or "danshen") that have rather unique chemical structures. A recent study reports genes involved in the synthesis of these compounds https://go.nature.com/3tzoGST

Happy #PhytochemicalFriday! Today: kauniolide, a sesquiterpene with action against prostate cancer, mycobacteria, and parasites. This compound is found in a variety of asters (including chicory, Cichorium intybus) and its biosynthesis includes remarkable P450 action.

Happy #PhytochemicalFriday! Today: carnosolic acid and carnosol - phenolic diterpenes from rosemary and sage (Lamiaceae). Apart from their interesting structures, these compounds are antioxidants used in food products ("extracts of rosemary") and may have anti-cancer activity.

January Phytochemicals - The chemistry of oatmeal baths

Happy #PhytochemicalFriday and #HappyNewYear2021! Today: hederagenin, a triterpenoid from English ivy (Hedera helix) that is used as a biopesticide (HeadsUp Plant Protectant) to help prevent fungal growth, bacterial growth, and viral plant diseases, including white mold.

#PhytochemicalFriday! Today: deguelin - a flavonoid found in some members the bean family (Fabaceae, e.g. Lonchocarpus. Though found in nature, it's highly toxic to fish & not considered environmentally safe if used on a large scale. It's also under study as a chemotherapeutic!

Happy #PhytochemicalFriday! Today: kaempferol - a bitter-tasting compound that is found in a wide variety of fruits and vegetables, particularly capers - the flower buds of Capparis spinosa (Brassicales). Kaempferol is an antioxidant and features in many traditional medicines.

Happy #PhytochemicalFriday! Today: avenanthramides - phenolic alkaloids from oats (Avena sativa). These anti-itch compounds are abundant in colloidal oatmeal - the reason oatmeal baths can help provide relief from, for example, chicken pox!