Ononetin

Ononetin is a chemical compound that belongs to the class of organic compounds known as flavonoids. Flavonoids are characterized by a structure based on the flavone backbone, which is a structure of 15 carbon atoms in a three-ring system. Ononetin is a specific type of flavonoid known as an isoflavonoid, which are flavonoids that have undergone metabolic changes to shift the position of one carbon atom in the ring structure.

Chemical Structure and Properties

The chemical structure of Ononetin consists of a three-ring system with a phenyl group (a ring of six carbon atoms) attached to a heterocyclic ring (a ring that contains at least one atom that is not carbon) at the 2-position. This structure is characteristic of isoflavonoids. The molecular formula of Ononetin is C16H12O4.

Ononetin is a yellow crystalline solid at room temperature. It is soluble in organic solvents such as ethanol and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), but is less soluble in water.

Biological Activity

Ononetin has been studied for its potential biological activities, including its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It has been found to inhibit the production of nitric oxide, a molecule that plays a key role in inflammation and immune responses. Ononetin has also been shown to have antioxidant activity, which means it can neutralize harmful free radicals in the body.

Sources and Uses

Ononetin is found in various plants, including the red clover (Trifolium pratense), which is used in traditional medicine for various health conditions. It is also found in the root of the licorice plant (Glycyrrhiza glabra).

In addition to its potential health benefits, Ononetin is also used in research as a marker for the presence of isoflavonoids in plant samples.

See Also

• Flavonoid
• Isoflavonoid
• Antioxidant
• Anti-inflammatory