2024 Author: Jasmine Walkman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 08:29
Glycosides are certain molecules in which one sugar is linked to something else. Glycosides play several important roles in living organisms. Most plants store important substances in the form of inactive glycosides.
When these substances are needed, the glycosides bind to water and an enzyme and the sugar part is separated, making the chemical usable. Many such plant glycosides are used as medicines.
The glycoside molecule is made up of two parts - a sugar part, which is called a glycon, and a non-sugar part, which is known as an aglycone or gene.
Benefits and types of glycosides
Glycosides, which are contained in medicinal plants, depending on the chemical nature of the aglycone are divided into several main groups.
Flavonoids glycosides - their aglycones are flavones, flavonols, etc. Their name comes from "flavus" - yellow, as they are colored from pale yellow to yellow-orange. These pigments are extremely common and are found in almost all plants and plant parts.
They give the yellow color to the flowers, but are also found in the leaves, roots and fruits. These glycosides increase the stability of capillary blood vessels and increase their elasticity.
For this reason, they are used for bleeding of various origins, but also as a preventive measure for initial sclerosis of blood vessels. They stimulate the heart, lower high blood pressure. Flavonoids glycosides are important natural antioxidants - protect vitamin C from oxidation.
Phenolic glycosides - their aglycones are phenols or phenolic acids. They are found mostly in plants of the Willow and Pyrenean families. Some phenolic glycosides have evidence of choleretic and biliary action.
Anthocyanin glycosides - this group includes the red, blue and violet dyes contained in the fruits and flowers of many plants. They affect the permeability of capillaries, have anti-inflammatory action and are used in some eye problems.
They increase visual acuity even in low light. Anthocyanins are particularly active in this regard glycosidescontained in the fruits of bilberries.
Anthraglycosides - found mainly in the family Lapad, Beans, Brooches, Creams and Buckthorn. These glycosides have long been known as laxatives or purgatives for chronic constipation.
Cardiac glycosides - Their name comes from their specific effect on the heart muscle. Along with their beneficial effects on the heart, they are highly toxic, which is why their use should always be under medical supervision.
Coumarins glycosides - about 200 compounds are known in this group. They are distributed mainly in the families Pearl, Rosaceae, Compositae, Potato, Umbelliferae. Some of their derivatives have antispasmodic and diuretic effects, while others dilate blood vessels.
Iridoid glycosides - have a very bitter taste. Some of them are strong antibiotics with antifungal and antibacterial action. Others are appetizing, others have a clear sedative effect. Some iridoid glycosides have anti-inflammatory and hypotensive effects.
Thioglycosides - are glycosides that contain sulfur. Under the influence of enzymes, they break down and release essential oil, which irritates the mucous membranes and skin. They have antifungal and bacteriostatic action, and some of them have a choleretic effect.
Cyanogenic glycosides - during their decomposition they emit hydrogen cyanide. They are found in the seeds, leaves and roots of some plants.
Sources of glycosides
As it turns out, glycosides are found in medicinal plants and herbs, fruits and vegetables. Each herb or fruit contains a certain type of glycoside, which determines some of the beneficial effects.
Harm from glycosides
Some of the listed glycosides are not only useful but also harmful. For example, hydrogen cyanide is released from cyanogenic glycosides.
For this reason, the use of medicinal herbs should be under medical supervision and the indicated daily doses should not be exceeded to avoid unwanted complications.
