Introduction to Steroids, Cardiac Glycosides & Triterpenoids:
Steroids, Cardiac Glycosides & Triterpenoids are bioactive natural compounds with crucial therapeutic roles in inflammation, heart disorders, and hormonal regulation.
Steroids:
- Structure: Four fused rings (three six-membered, one five-membered).
- Functions:
- Membrane Structure: Cholesterol regulates membrane fluidity and permeability.
- Hormonal Roles: Includes sex hormones and corticosteroids, essential for metabolism, immunity, and reproduction.
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Cardiac Glycosides:
- Structure: Steroid core linked to sugar units via glycosidic bonds.
- Physiological Effects:
- Enhance heart contractions by inhibiting the Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase pump, increasing calcium levels.
- Used to treat heart failure and arrhythmias with precise dosing due to a narrow therapeutic index.
Triterpenoids:
- Structure: Built from six isoprene units (30 carbons), forming complex cyclic or acyclic structures.
- Roles in Plants: Defense against pests, precursors to steroids.
- Pharmacological Effects: Anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and antiviral properties, widely used in drug development.
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