Natural products have been the foundation of traditional medicine systems for centuries, offering therapeutic benefits derived from plants, fungi, and marine organisms. Herbal medicines, which are formulations made from plant-based bioactive compounds, play a crucial role in modern healthcare. The growing interest in herbal medicine is driven by its holistic approach, affordability, and potential in treating chronic diseases.
Sources of Natural Products
Primary metabolites
Primary metabolites are essential compounds that are directly involved in growth, development, and reproduction of an organism.
Characteristics
Universally present in all living organisms.
Play a direct role in cellular functions like respiration, energy production, and cell division.
Their production occurs in large quantities and follows simple biosynthetic pathways.
Essential for survival and normal physiological functions.
Examples
Carbohydrates, Proteins & Amino Acids, Lipids, Nucleotides & Nucleic Acids, Organic Acids (Citric acid, Lactic acid, Acetic acid) – Intermediates in metabolic cycles (e.g., Krebs cycle).
Secondary metabolites
Secondary metabolites are specialized compounds that are not directly involved in growth, development, or reproduction but play important ecological and adaptive roles.
Characteristics:
Not essential for survival but provide an advantage in specific environments.
Often unique to a particular species or group of organisms.
Synthesized through complex biosynthetic pathways.
Produced in response to stress, defense, or competition.
Examples
Alkaloids, Terpenoids, Phenolics, Saponins, Glycosides
Key Bioactive Compounds in Herbal Medicines
Alkaloids (e.g., morphine from Papaver somniferum for pain relief)
Flavonoids (e.g., quercetin from onions with antioxidant properties)
Terpenoids (e.g., artemisinin from Artemisia annua for malaria treatment)
Saponins (e.g., diosgenin from Dioscorea used in steroid synthesis)
Phenolic compounds (e.g., curcumin from Curcuma longa with anti-inflammatory effects)
Therapeutic Applications of Natural Products
•Anti-inflammatory and Analgesic Effects
–Curcumin (from Curcuma longa) and boswellic acids (from Boswellia serrata) are widely used for inflammatory disorders like arthritis.
•Anticancer Properties
–Taxol from Taxus brevifolia is a well-known natural anticancer drug.
–Withanolides from Withania somnifera exhibit potential anticancer activity.
•Antimicrobial and Antiviral Effects
–Berberine (from Berberis species) has antibacterial and antifungal properties.
–Quinine (from Cinchona bark) is used for malaria treatment.
Cardiovascular Benefits
•Resveratrol (from grapes) supports heart health by reducing oxidative stress.
•Digitalis glycosides (from Digitalis spp.) regulate heart rhythm disorders.
Neuroprotective
•Bacopa monnieri (Brahmi) improves memory and cognitive function.
•Ginsenosides (from Panax ginseng) protect against neurodegeneration.
•Diabetes Management
•Gymnemic acids (from Gymnema sylvestre) help lower blood sugar levels.
•Polyphenols from green tea (Camellia sinensis) improve insulin sensitivity.
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