Flavonoids and their glycosides, including anthocyanins

Isoprenylated flavonoids—a survey

Most reports on the identification of known flavonoids in new plant sources as well as those on novel flavonoids naturally deal with the two most abundant classes, the flavones and flavonols. For this chapter we have listed all references to the occurrence of flavone and flavonol aglycones which have appeared from 1975 to 1980, and also include such earlier references as were overlooked in the relevant chapters of The Flavonoids’ (1975). Emphasis is given to the natural distribution of these compounds. The data are collected in Tables 4.1 and 4.2 which cite substances, plant sources and references. Since 1974, some 50 flavones and 60 flavonols with common substitution patterns have been described as novel compounds. Many are simply new methyl ethers of known compounds. The structures are arranged throughout the Tables by number and arrangement of substituents in ring A, followed by ring B. Wherever possible, the plant organs from which the compounds have been isolated are cited. In cases where authors have extracted the ‘whole plant’ or ‘aerial parts’, it does not necessarily follow that the compound is present in all parts, since these substances are often specifically located in certain organs only. In all cases where free aglycones are encountered, especially highly methylated flavonoids, it is likely that they occur externally, or are associated with secretory structures and are correlated with the production of other lipophilic secondary compounds, mainly of terpenoid origin.

Flavones and Flavonols

Medicinal plants in tropical West Africa. III. Anti-infection therapy with higher plants.

Informations on root flavonoids have been extensively reviewed and their functional diversity critically appraised. Root flavonoids play significant roles in protecting the plants against pests and diseases, regulating root growth and functions, influencing different aspects of nitrogen cycle and exerting allelopathic growth effects. They also constitute an essential source of Pharmaceuticals. An exhaustive list of flavonoids which are of significance in relation to these properties has been compiled. A thorough understanding of the flavonoid composition, level, metabolism and regulation in the roots of various plants may help us in developing several applied topics. Safe and specific chemicals against root pests; chemicals regulating root growth and mineral nutrition; plant varieties resistant to root pests and adverse allelopathic effects; an improved nitrogen economy in agroecosystems; desirable varieties of medicinal plants, in whose roots flavonoids are the active principles; in vitro systems for flavonoid production obtained from root cultures, at a commercial scale.

G.J. Kruger

Papers

Flavonoids from tephrosia—XI: The structure of glabratephrin

Synthesis of an analogue of the polyoxins: X-ray structure of starting carbohydrate and acetal migration accompanying acetolysis