Introduction to Glycosides

• Introduction to Glycosides: Organic compounds with sugar and non-sugar parts.
• Introduction to Glycosides: Found in plants, used for therapeutic benefits.

Definition & Structure:

• Glycosides are compounds consisting of a sugar moiety (glycone) linked to a non-sugar aglycone via a glycosidic bond. Aglycones can be terpenoids, phenols, or alkaloids.

Structure and Classification

• Based on aglycone:
  • Flavonoid Glycosides: Flavonoid aglycone.
  • Cardiac Glycoside: Steroid or triterpenoid aglycones.
  • Saponins: Triterpenoid or steroid aglycones with soap-like properties.
  • Cyanogenic Glycoside: Release hydrogen cyanide upon hydrolysis.
• Additionally classified by sugar type (e.g., glucose, rhamnose) and glycosidic bond type.

Biosynthesis

• Formed by glycosyltransferase enzymes attaching sugar moieties to aglycones, altering solubility, stability, and bioactivity.

Occurrence in Nature

• Common in plants for defense, pigmentation, and storage. Also found in some animals and microorganisms.

Biological Activities and Uses

• Pharmacological Effects: E.g., cardiac glycoside like digoxin for heart conditions.
• Defense Mechanisms: Toxins or deterrents against pests.
• Industrial Uses: Natural colorants and antioxidants in food and cosmetics.

Examples of Glycosides

• Rutin: Flavonoid glycoside with antioxidant properties in various fruits and vegetables.
• Glycyrrhetinic Acid: Saponin glycoside from licorice root, used in flavorings and as an anti-inflammatory agent.

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