Iridoid

Iridoids are a type of monoterpenes that are found in a wide variety of plants and some animals. They are typically found in the form of glycosides, which are compounds that contain a sugar molecule attached to another functional group. Iridoids have been studied for their potential health benefits, including anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and neuroprotective effects.

Structure and Biosynthesis

Iridoids are derived from geranyl pyrophosphate, a common precursor in the biosynthesis of terpenes. The basic structure of iridoids consists of a cyclopentanopyran ring, which is a six-membered ring with one oxygen atom and five carbon atoms. This ring is often attached to a glucose molecule to form a glycoside.

The biosynthesis of iridoids involves several steps. First, geranyl pyrophosphate is converted into 10-hydroxygeraniol by the enzyme geraniol 10-hydroxylase. This is then converted into 10-oxogeranial by the enzyme 10-hydroxygeraniol dehydrogenase. Finally, this is converted into the iridoid glycoside by the enzyme iridoid synthase.

Occurrence and Uses

Iridoids are found in a wide variety of plants, including many species in the families Lamiaceae, Rubiaceae, and Scrophulariaceae. They are also found in some animals, such as the leaf beetle Chrysolina, which uses them as a chemical defense against predators.

Iridoids have been studied for their potential health benefits. For example, they have been found to have anti-inflammatory effects, which could be useful in the treatment of conditions such as arthritis. They have also been found to have anti-cancer effects, and some studies have suggested that they could be used as a natural treatment for cancer. Finally, they have been found to have neuroprotective effects, which could be useful in the treatment of conditions such as Alzheimer's disease.

See Also

• Monoterpenes
• Geranyl pyrophosphate
• Glycosides

References

Iridoid Resources
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