D.C. Maiti

Bio: D.C. Maiti is an academic researcher. The author has contributed to research in topics: Coelogyne flaccida. The author has an hindex of 1, co-authored 1 publications receiving 40 citations.

Orchids : A review of uses in traditional medicine, its phytochemistry and pharmacology

Abstract: Many of the epiphytic orchids are used as traditional medicine. Chemical components and pharmacology have been studied in recent 15 years. Medicinal orchids, in general, are not subjected to detailed pharmacological studies. A wide range of chemical compounds are presented including alkaloids, bibenzyl derivatives, flavonoids, phenanthrenes and terpenoids which have been isolated recently from this species. Extracts and metabolites of these plants, particularly those from flowers and leaves, possess useful pharmacological activities. Particular attention has been given to diuretic, anti-rheumatic, anti-inflammatory, anti-carcinogenic, hypoglycemic activities, antimicrobial, anticonvulsive, relaxation, neuroprotective, and antivirus, activities. A comprehensive account of chemical constituents and biological activities is presented and a critical appraisal of the ethnopharmacological issues is included in view of the many recent findings of importance of these orchids. A large number of orchids have been empirically used for treatment of different diseases, thus, several studies have been undertaken to provide scientific proof to justify the medicinal use of various plants in treatment of diseases. The aim of this review is to up-date and to present a comprehensive analysis of traditional and folklore uses, pharmacological reports and phyto-constituents isolated from the orchids family. Key words: Orchids, medicinal plant, traditional uses, chemical constituents, biological activities.

New Components with Potential Antioxidant and Organoleptic Properties, Detected for the First Time in Liquid Smoke Flavoring Preparations

Abstract: A commercial aqueous smoke preparation was exhaustively extracted, using dichloromethane as solvent, until the carrier had totally lost its smoky odor. Qualitative and quantitative characterizations of the extract were performed by means of gas chromatography/mass spectrometry and gas chromatography with flame ionization detector, respectively. Carbonyl derivatives including aldehydes and ketones as well as acids and esters are almost absent; however, the high proportion of phenol, guaiacol, and syringol derivatives is noticeable. The presence of di-tert-butylhydroxytoluene, several hopanes, and a number of lignin dimers must be pointed out; these latter components had apparently not been detected before either in smoke flavorings or in wood smoke. The mass spectral data of the compounds considered as lignin dimers and of the unidentified components are given. The presence of lignin dimers is very interesting from the point of view of health and food technology for their therapeutic, organoleptic, and antioxidant properties.

Stilbenoids: Chemistry and bioactivities

Abstract: Stilbenoids are formed by a particular branch of the flavonoid biosynthetic pathway. They are of special interest to natural product researchers for their roles in plant resistance to fungal pathogens and their biological effects. This review in the volume of Bioactive Natural Products provides a comprehensive account of the occurrence, chemistry, biological roles and activities of the stilbenoids. Nearly 800 stilbenoids, isolated from natural sources in the recent 12 years, are grouped into structural types and discussed in terms of their reported pharmacological activity. The major groups of stilbenoids which are discussed in detail include stilbenes, bibenzyls, bisbibenzyls, phenanthrenoids, stilbene oligomers etc. Detailed tables and figures list the occurrence of stilbenoids in major plant species, and methods used for extracting and analyzing stilbenoids are discussed. Biosynthetic pathways and chemical synthesis are reviewed and the biological activities of stilbenoids are also addressed. The coverage of the new structures is from 1994 to 2006.