Types of Phytochemicals Review Quiz

Types of Phytochemicals

• Phytochemicals are classified into five types: Flavonoids, Tannins, Terpenoids, Phenolic, and Saponins.

Phenolic

• Phenolic are the most abundant phytochemicals and are found throughout the kingdom Plantae.
• They are a group of chemical compounds that contain hydroxyl groups, where the (OH) group is directly bonded to an aromatic hydrocarbon group.
• Phenolics have been investigated for their agronomic, pharmacological, chemical, and medical properties.

Flavonoids

• Flavonoids are derived from flavones and have two benzene rings separated by a propane unit.
• They are water-soluble compounds and rich in antioxidant activity.
• Flavonoids have gained popularity due to their wide pharmacological activities, including anticancer, antimicrobial, cytotoxicity, and anti-inflammatory properties.

Tannins

• Tannins are phenolic compounds found in plants' leaves, bark, fruit, wood, and roots, mainly in the lysosomes.
• They are classified into two types: hydrolysable tannins and condensed tannins.
• Tannins are used as exfoliates, diuretics, antitumor, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, free radical scavenging, and hemostatic therapies.

Terpenoids

• Terpenoids, also known as isoprenoids, are the most diverse and abundant natural remedies in terms of structure.
• They are used as flavors and fragrances in edible products and cosmetics, and are essential for agro-based quality products.

Saponins

• Saponins are found in a variety of plants and in some marine sources, such as starfish, sea cucumber, and fish.
• They are divided into two categories based on the nature of their aglycone skeleton: steroidal saponins and triterpenoid saponins.
• Steroidal saponins are mostly found in monocotyledonous angiosperms, while triterpenoid saponins are found primarily in dicotyledonous angiosperms.