Phytochemicals

thumb|Representative chemical structure of a tannic acid, a type of tannin thumb|Tannin powder (mixture of compounds) thumb|A bottle of tannic acid solution in [[water ]]

290px|thumb|Representative chemical structure of one of many plant-derived polyphenols that comprise tannic acid. Such compounds are formed by esterification of [[phenylpropanoid-derived gallic acid to a monosaccharide (glucose) core.]] Polyphenols () are a large family of naturally occurring phenols. They are abundant in plants and structurally diverse. Polyphenols include phenolic acids, flavonoids, tannic acid, and ellagitannin, some of which have been used historically as dyes and for tanning garments.

chemical compound

thumb|right|β-sitosterol, a prototypical phytosterol Phytosterols are phytosteroids, similar to cholesterol, that serve as structural components of biological membranes of plants. They encompass plant sterols and stanols. More than 250 sterols and related compounds have been identified. Free phytosterols extracted from oils are insoluble in water, relatively insoluble in oil, and soluble in alcohols.

A phytoestrogen is a plant-derived xenoestrogen (a type of estrogen produced by organisms other than humans) not generated within the endocrine system, but consumed by eating plants or manufactured foods. Also called a "dietary estrogen", it is a diverse group of naturally occurring nonsteroidal plant compounds that, because of its structural similarity to estradiol (17-β-estradiol), have the ability to cause both estrogenic or antiestrogenic effects.

Phytochemistry is the study of phytochemicals, which are chemicals derived from plants. Phytochemists strive to describe the structures of the large number of secondary metabolites found in plants, the functions of these compounds in human and plant biology, and the biosynthesis of these compounds. Plants synthesize phytochemicals for many reasons, including to protect themselves against insect attacks and plant diseases. The compounds found in plants are of many kinds, but most can be grouped into four major biosynthetic classes: alkaloids, phenylpropanoids, polyketides, and terpenoids.

thumb|Red, blue, and purple colors of berries derive mainly from polyphenol phytochemicals called [[anthocyanins.]] thumb|Cucurbita fruits, including squash and [[pumpkin, typically have high content of the phytochemical pigments called carotenoids.]]

Phytoncides are antimicrobial and insecticidal volatile organic compounds derived from plants. The word, which means "exterminated by the plant" (from the Greek φυτόν "plant" and the Latin caedere "to kill"), was coined in 1928 by Boris P. Tokin, a Soviet biochemist then studying at Moscow State University. He found that some plants give off very active substances that help to prevent them from rotting or from being eaten by some insects and animals.

thumb|right|upright=1.1|alt=General structure of an isothiocyanate.|General structure of an isothiocyanate.

thumb|upright=1.35|Leghemoglobin A from a soybean (PDB: 1BIN)

thumb|right|250px|Chemical structure of flavan-3-ol

thumb|Dasyscolia ciliata on the flowers of [[Ophrys speculum]]

A kairomone is a semiochemical released by an organism that mediates interspecific interactions in a way that benefits a different species at the expense of the emitter. Derived from the Greek καιρός, meaning "opportune moment", it serves as a form of "eavesdropping", enabling the receiver to gain an advantage, such as locating food or evading predators, even if it poses a risk to the emitter. Unlike allomones, which benefit the producer at the receiver's cost, or synomones, which are mutually beneficial, kairomones favor only the recipient. Primarily studied in entomology, kairomones can play

thumb|right|The chemical structure of yamogenin, a sapogenin found in [[fenugreek]]

chemical compound

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thumb|Section of fruit of Bidens, showing phytomelanin deposits (*) Phytomelanin (phytomelan) is a black, inert, organic material that forms a crust-like covering of some seeds, commonly found in Asparagales and Asteraceae but uncommon in other taxonomic groupings. Phytomelanin is found in most families of the Asparagales (although not in Orchidaceae). It is mechanically hard and forms a resistant substance, although it is more pliable in the developing fruit, hardening later. Chemically it appears to be a polyvinyl aromatic alcohol, and is thought to be exuded from the hypodermis. It appears

A salvestrol is a dietary phytochemical. The name "salvestrols" was coined by medicinal chemist Gerard A. Potter. "Salvestrol" has been trademarked and is used to market dietary supplements and other products. Some salvestrol-based products contain extracts from blackcurrant, blueberry, strawberry, and tangerine peel.

4-Methoxycinnamaldehyde is a bioactive isolate of Agastache rugosa.

Nardosinone is a sesquiterpene and chemical constituent of Nardostachys jatamansi. In in vitro studies, the compound has demonstrated concentration-dependent enhancement of bucladesine and staurosporine-induced neurite outgrowth. Nardosinone has similarly been demonstrated to enhance NGF-mediated neurite outgrowth and synaptogenesis from PC12D cells.

Deoxyschizandrin is a bio-active isolate of Schisandra chinensis.