Iridoid

  Iridoids are a class of secondary metabolites found in a wide variety of plants and in some animals. They are monoterpenes biosynthesized from isoprene and they are often intermediates in the biosynthesis of alkaloids. Chemically, the iridoids usually consist of a cyclopentane ring fused to a six-membered oxygen heterocycle, as exemplified by nepetalactone, the active ingredient in catnip. Cleavage of a bond in the cyclopentane ring gives rise to a subclass known as seco-iridoids. Iridoids are typically found in plants as glycosides, most often bound to glucose.

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Iridoids are found in many medicinal plants and may be responsible for the some of their pharmaceutical activities. Isolated and purified, iridoids exhibit a wide range of bioactivities including cardiovascular, antipheptotoxic, chlorectic, hypoglycemic, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, antitumor, antiviral, immunomidulator and purgative activities.^[1]

The iridoids are produced by plants primarily as a defense against herbivores or against infection by microorganisms. To humans and other mammals, iridoids are often characterized by a deterrent bitter taste.

References

1. ^ Didna, B., Debnath, S., Harigaya, Y. "Naturally Occurring Iridoids. A Review, Part 1." Chem. Pharm. Bull. 55(2) 159-222 (2007).