Organic compounds isolated and extracted from the body of naturally existing organisms are collectively known as natural products. They are formed through photosynthesis and biochemical reaction inside the bodies of animals and plants. For example, starch comes from the seeds, stems and roots block of plants; meat, dairy products, eggs and cereals, beans are the basic source of protein; many drugs such as ephedrine, menthol and gall bladder are extracted from the corresponding organisms; indigo blue dye, red dye alizarin are respectively extracted from natural indigo leafs and madder; natural spices musk, jasmine, and rose also originate from the corresponding animal and plant body. The Chengdu Institute of Biology (Chinese academy of sciences) had promoted the research aspects of the natural products from the early 1960s, starting large-scale resources investigation of plants, amphibians, reptiles and microorganisms, mastering a lot of biological resources information in the southwest and the surrounding area. In the research aspect of active ingredients of natural medicinal plant, people have carried out research on the chemical constituents of hundreds of medicinal plants, isolating and identifying of a number of natural chemical components such as saponins, terpenoids, alkaloids, and flavonoids. Through this, people have further found over 100 kinds of novel natural compounds of some new structural skeleton and successfully developed a new herbal drug “DAXXK” for the treatment of cardiovascular disease. It has achieved good sales around the country with a total output value of 2.7 billion yuan and profits of 1.1 billion.
Dihydromyricetin: Overview and Anti-inflammatory Mechanism
Dihydromyricetin (DHM) is a kind of flavonoid small molecule. It can be rapidly metabolized, with no obvious toxicity.
Jan 15,2025 Natural ProductsWhat is Paeoniflorin benefits?
Paeoniflorin, a representative pinane monoterpene glycoside in plants of Paeoniaceae family, is one of the principal bioactive components extracted from the root of Paeonia lactiflora Pall.
Dec 17,2024 Natural ProductsFenchone: Natural Occurrence, Metabolism and Bioactivity
Fenchone, derived from sweet fennel oil, is a versatile compound. Its metabolism involves liver enzymes and it possesses antioxidant, antimicrobial, and cytotoxic properties.
Nov 20,2024 Natural ProductsFerulic Acid: An Overview of Its Synthesis, Composition, Applications, and Storage
Ferulic acid, a key phenolic compound, plays a crucial role in the biosynthesis of plant cell walls.
Nov 20,2024 Natural ProductsMertansine: Origin, Pharmacokinetics and Antitumor Activity
Mertansine, a potent antileukemic ansa macrolide from Maytenus ovatus, disrupts microtubules, offering significant potential for targeted cancer therapy.
Nov 12,2024 Natural ProductsGinkgolide B: Origin, Pharmacokinetics and Neuroprotective Effects
Ginkgolide B from Ginkgo biloba offers neuroprotection by reducing infarct size, enhancing survival, and modulating cellular pathways in ischemic strokes.
Nov 11,2024 Natural ProductsPuerarin: A Multi-Faceted Neuroprotective Compound for Treating Neurodegenerative Diseases
Puerarin offers neuroprotection via anti-apoptotic and anti-autophagic actions, countering protein accumulation, and preserving neurons in neurodegenerative diseases.
Oct 29,2024 Natural ProductsPinitol Oil: Sources, Multifaceted Applications and Toxicity
Pinitol oil, sourced from turpentine and pinenes, offers diverse applications but requires careful handling due to significant health risks.
Oct 29,2024 Natural ProductsDecoding the Gold of Life: a review by Curcumin
Curcumin is a natural compound derived from the rhizome of the ginger family, which has a wide range of biological activities and pharmacological effects.
Oct 24,2024 Natural ProductsExploring Guaiacol: From Antimicrobial Properties to Dairy Product Contamination
Guaiacol shows antimicrobial potential against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and contaminates refrigerated chocolate milk, highlighting dual roles in antimicrobial activity and food spoilage.
Oct 23,2024 Natural Products