Diarylheptanoid

The diarylheptanoids (also known as diphenylheptanoids) are a class of plant secondary metabolites. Diarylheptanoids consist of two aromatic rings (aryl groups) joined by a seven carbons chain (heptane) and having various substituents. They can be classified into linear (curcuminoids) and cyclic diarylheptanoids. The best known member is curcumin, which is isolated from turmeric (Curcuma longa) and is known as food coloring E100. Some other Curcuma species, such as Curcuma comosa also produce diarylheptanoids.

They have been reported from plants in 10 different families, e.g. Betulaceae and Zingiberaceae.

A diarylheptanoid is an intermediate in the biosynthesis of phenylphenalenones in Anigozanthos preissii or Wachendorfia thyrsiflora (Haemodoraceae).

Cyclic diarylheptanoids

Cyclic diarylheptanoids formed from myricanone can be isolated from the bark of Myrica rubra (Myricaceae). Two cyclic diarylheptanoids, named ostryopsitrienol and ostryopsitriol, can be isolated from the stems of endemic Chinese medicinal plant Ostryopsis nobilis (Betulaceae). Acerogenin M can be found in Acer nikoense (Sapindaceae). Jugcathayenoside and (+)-galeon can be found in the root bark of Juglans cathayensis (Juglandaceae).

Health effects

The antioxidant activity of diarylheptanoids isolated from rhizomes of Etlingera elatior (Zingiberaceae) is greater than that of α-tocopherol.

References

External links

• Stilbenoid, diarylheptanoid and gingerol biosynthesis pathway at genome.jp
• "Diarylheptanoids". National Center for Biotechnology Information. Retrieved 3 July 2013.

1. Curcuminoid
2. Curcumin
3. Tacca chantrieri
4. Dietary fiber
5. Galeon (disambiguation)
6. Acer maximowiczianum
7. Capsaicin
8. Phytochemical
9. Flavonoid
10. Turmeric
11. Polyphenol
12. Gingerol
13. Phenolic acid
14. Saponin
15. Phenylpropanoid
16. Anthraquinones
17. Betalain
18. Kavalactone
19. Chalconoid
20. List of phytochemicals in food