Index

Classes and Workshops with Lisa Ganora

Medicinal Plant Chemistry CD: Plant Constituents for Herbalists
New PowerPoint show: The Foundations of Herbal Chemistry
New Presentation available: The Colors of Vitality^TM

Phytochemicals of the Month: Phytoestrogens
See the special expanded section on Phytoestrogens and Human Health

Estradiol Genistein

Estradiol (a human estrogen) and genistein (a phytoestrogen)
The similarly-placed hydroxyl groups at both ends of these two molecules allow them to bind to human estrogen receptors.

Archives:
Organosulfur compounds from Garlic
Phenolic compounds and flavonoid antioxidants
Carotenoids

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info@herbalchem.net
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The Importance of Phytochemistry Chemical terms are found everywhere from supplement labels to news items in the popular press to reference works for clinical practitioners. But what is the significance of these chemicals, how are they related, and how do they contribute to the observed actions of the herbs? For the herbalist, understanding plant constituents becomes increasingly important as information continues to accumulate from scientific studies. Knowledge of structures and relationships helps us understand how botanical medicines function in the human body. Phytochemistry also teaches us how to prepare herbal medicines to get the optimal concentrations of known active constituents, and how best to preserve their activities.

The Phytochemistry of Herbs answers questions such as: Which phytochemicals are likely to be soluble in different media? Which constituents have demonstrated toxicity and to what degree? What is the theory behind standardization? How do herbal antioxidants work? In addition, specific chemicals and classes of chemicals are explored in detail: How are proanthocyanidins, polyphenols, and flavonoids related? What is the difference between a cardiac glycoside and a cyanogenic glycoside? What does Omega 3 or Omega 6 mean? And what are those notorious pyrrolizidine alkaloids, anyway?

Why three levels? This information is available on three levels for those with different kinds of experience. In the Introductory level, phytochemical terms are demystified so that the non-chemist can gain a better understanding of the functions of different plant constituents. The general public, health food and supplement store staff, and others without formal training in botany or chemistry will find this presentation helpful. The Intermediate level addresses the needs of the more scientifically inclined student or clinical herbalist; the material is more detailed and basic chemical structures are discussed. Practitioners who are versed in university-level organic and biochemistry will find the Advanced/Professional level a source of further enlightenment.

Using this site: The same topic, but not the exact same material, is covered on all three page levels. I suggest starting with the Introductory page regardless of your training, and then going on to the other pages if more in-depth information is desired. The Introductory, Intermediate, and Advanced pages feature new phytochemicals approximately once a month. The Glossary is designed to explain terms relating to chemistry and phytochemistry that some herbalists may not know. It does not cover specific chemicals which will be covered in the text. The Glossary accumulates relevant terms each month as well.

Note that different chemical names may be used for the same compound on different pages. This is because there are often several correct ways to name a compound. I have tried to avoid confusion by repeating the "common" name of a chemical whenever its more detailed chemical name is used.

This site focuses on the phytochemistry of herbal medicines rather than on their clinical usage. Brief mention is made of the physiological implications of the constituents, but additional information sources should be sought for the clinical application of this information. Please see the Links page for excellent sites on botanical medicine.

Please email me with suggestions or corrections or if you find a dead link. Remember that original material is copyrighted; you are welcome to link to these pages, but please do not reproduce them. If you would like materials for distribution or academic purposes, please contact me.

Althea officinalis (Marshmallow)

Marshmallow (Althea officinalis) root is a rich source of the constituents known as mucilages, otherwise called heteropolysaccharides (a subclass of the carbohydrates). The term is composed of hetero (from the root word for different) + poly (from the root word for many) + saccharides (meaning simple sugars - from the root word for sweet). These slippery, soothing constituents are complex, feathery structures made by linking different kinds of simple sugar units together. Mucilages are soluble in cold water, and insoluble in ethanol/water extracts having more than about 20 to 30% ethanol. Herbalists are encouraging the use of Marshmallow as a renewable resource and a substitute for Slippery Elm (Ulmus rubra), which is now endangered. Marshmallow candy used to be made from the root of this plant.