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Depside
A depside is a type of polyphenolic compound composed of two or more monocyclic aromatic units linked by an ester bond. Depsides are most often found in lichens, but have also been isolated from higher plants, including species of the Ericaceae, Lamiaceae, Papaveraceae and Myrtaceae. Certain depsides have antibiotic, anti-HIV, antioxidant, and anti-proliferative activity ''in vitro''. As inhibitors of prostaglandin synthesis and leukotriene B4 biosynthesis, some depsides have ''in vitro'' anti-inflammatory activity. A depsidase is a type of enzyme that cuts depside bonds. One such enzyme is tannase. Examples Gyrophoric acid, found in the lichen ''Cryptothecia rubrocincta'', is a depside. Merochlorophaeic acid, isolated from lichens of the genus ''Cladonia'', is an inhibitor of prostaglandin synthesis. Some depsides are described as anti-HIV. See also *Salsalate homodimer formed from self-condensation of salicylic acid Salicylic acid is an organic compound with the formul ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Cryptothecia Rubrocincta
''Cryptothecia rubrocincta'' is a species of lichen in the fungal family Arthoniaceae. The species is distributed in subtropical and tropical locations throughout the southeastern United States, as well as Central and South America, and has been collected infrequently in a few locales in Africa. The body of the lichen forms continuous, circular crust-like patches on dead wood, readily recognizable by the prominent red pigment. The older, central region is covered with red, spherical to cylindrical granules. Moving outwards from the center, zones of color may be distinguished, the first gray-green, the second white, and finally a bright red cottony rim. The red and green colors of this unmistakable woodland lichen give the appearance of a Christmas wreath, suggestive of its common North American name, the Christmas (wreath) lichen. The red pigment, called chiodectonic acid, is one of several chemicals the lichen produces to help tolerate inhospitable growing conditions. Taxonomy ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Merochlorophaeic Acid
Merochlorophaeic acid is a depside with the molecular formula C24H30O8 which has been isolated from the lichen '' Cladonia merochlorophaea''. References Further reading * * Polyphenols Carboxylic acids Phenol esters Methoxy compounds {{organic-compound-stub ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Tannase
The enzyme tannase (EC 3.1.1.20) catalyzes the following reaction: : digallate + H2O = 2 gallate It is a key enzyme in the degradation of gallotannins and ellagicitannins, two types of hydrolysable tannins. Specifically, tannase catalyzes the hydrolysis of ester and depside bonds of hydrolysable tannins to release glucose and gallic or ellagic acid. Tannase belongs to the family of hydrolases, specifically those acting on carboxylic ester bonds. The systematic name is tannin acylhydrolase. Other names in common use include tannase S, and tannin acetylhydrolase. This enzyme has two known domains and one known active site. Tannase can be found in plants, bacteria, and fungi and has different purposes depending on the organism it is found in. Tannase also has many purposes for human use. The production of gallic acid is important in the pharmaceutical industry as it's needed to create trimethoprim, an antibacterial drug. Tannase also has many applications in the food and beverage ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Gyrophoric Acid
Gyrophoric acid is a depside that can be found in the lichen ''Cryptothecia rubrocincta'' and in '' Xanthoparmelia pokomyi''. It can also be found in most of the species of the '' Actinogyra'', ''Lasallia'', and ''Umbilicaria'' genera. See also * Umbilicaric acid Umbilicaric acid is an organic polyphenolic carboxylic acid made by several species of lichen. It is named after ''Umbilicaria''. Umbilicaric acid is a tridepside, containing three phenol rings. Identification of unbilicaric acid can be importa ... References Polyphenols Salicylic acids Salicylate esters Resorcinols {{phenol-stub ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Salicylic Acid
Salicylic acid is an organic compound with the formula HOC6H4CO2H. A colorless, bitter-tasting solid, it is a precursor to and a metabolite of aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid). It is a plant hormone, and has been listed by the EPA Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) Chemical Substance Inventory as an experimental teratogen. The name is from Latin '' salix'' for willow tree. It is an ingredient in some anti-acne products. Salts and esters of salicylic acid are known as salicylates. Uses Medicine Salicylic acid as a medication is commonly used to remove the outer layer of the skin. As such, it is used to treat warts, psoriasis, acne vulgaris, ringworm, dandruff, and ichthyosis. Similar to other hydroxy acids, salicylic acid is an ingredient in many skincare products for the treatment of seborrhoeic dermatitis, acne, psoriasis, calluses, Corn (medicine), corns, keratosis pilaris, acanthosis nigricans, ichthyosis, and warts. Uses in manufacturing Salicylic acid is used as ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Salsalate
Salsalate is a medication that belongs to the salicylate and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) classes. Salsalate is the generic name of a prescription drug marketed under the brandnames Mono-Gesic, Salflex, Disalcid, and Salsitab. Other generic and brand name formulations may be available. Mechanism of action Relative to other NSAIDs, salsalate has a weak inhibitory effect on the cyclooxygenase enzyme and decreases the production of several proinflammatory chemical signals such as interleukin-6, TNF-alpha, and C-reactive protein. The mechanism through which salsalate is thought to reduce the production of these inflammatory chemical signals is through the inhibition of IκB kinase resulting in decreased action of NF-κB genes. This mechanism is thought to be responsible for salsalate's insulin-sensitizing and blood sugar lowering properties. Medical uses Salsalate may be used for inflammatory disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis or noninflammatory disorders su ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Cladonia
''Cladonia'' is a genus of moss-like lichens in the family Cladoniaceae. They are the primary food source for reindeer/caribou. ''Cladonia'' species are of economic importance to reindeer-herders, such as the Sami in Scandinavia or the Nenets in Russia. Antibiotic compounds are extracted from some species to create antibiotic cream. The light green species ''Cladonia stellaris'' is used in flower decorations. Although the phylogeny of the genus ''Cladonia'' is still under investigation, two main morphological groups are commonly differentiated by taxonomists: the ''Cladonia'' morpho-type and the ''Cladina'' morpho-type. The ''Cladonia'' morpho-type has many more species, and is generally described as a group of squamulose (grow from squamules), cup-bearing lichens. The ''Cladina'' morpho-types are often referred to as forage lichens, mat-forming lichens, or reindeer lichens (due to their importance as caribou winter forage). ''Cladonia perforata'' ("perforate cladonia") is one ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Leukotriene B4
Leukotriene B4 (LTB4) is a leukotriene involved in inflammation. It has been shown to promote insulin resistance in obese mice. Biochemistry Leukotriene B4 (LTB4) is a leukotriene involved in inflammation. It is produced from leukocytes in response to inflammatory mediators and is able to induce the adhesion and activation of leukocytes on the endothelium, allowing them to bind to and cross it into the tissue. In neutrophils, it is also a potent chemoattractant, and is able to induce the formation of reactive oxygen species and the release of lysosomal enzymes by these cells. It is synthesized by leukotriene-A4 hydrolase from leukotriene A4 Leukotriene A4 (LTA4) is a leukotriene, and is the precursor for the productions of LTB4 ( leukotriene B)) and LTC4 ( leukotriene C4). Biosynthesis of Leukotriene A4 Following the biosynthesis of eicosanoid, triggered as a result of infection .... Diabetes A study at the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Prostaglandin
The prostaglandins (PG) are a group of physiologically active lipid compounds called eicosanoids having diverse hormone-like effects in animals. Prostaglandins have been found in almost every tissue in humans and other animals. They are derived enzymatically from the fatty acid arachidonic acid. Every prostaglandin contains 20 carbon atoms, including a 5-carbon ring. They are a subclass of eicosanoids and of the prostanoid class of fatty acid derivatives. The structural differences between prostaglandins account for their different biological activities. A given prostaglandin may have different and even opposite effects in different tissues in some cases. The ability of the same prostaglandin to stimulate a reaction in one tissue and inhibit the same reaction in another tissue is determined by the type of receptor to which the prostaglandin binds. They act as autocrine or paracrine factors with their target cells present in the immediate vicinity of the site of their secreti ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
In Vitro
''In vitro'' (meaning in glass, or ''in the glass'') studies are performed with microorganisms, cells, or biological molecules outside their normal biological context. Colloquially called " test-tube experiments", these studies in biology and its subdisciplines are traditionally done in labware such as test tubes, flasks, Petri dishes, and microtiter plates. Studies conducted using components of an organism that have been isolated from their usual biological surroundings permit a more detailed or more convenient analysis than can be done with whole organisms; however, results obtained from ''in vitro'' experiments may not fully or accurately predict the effects on a whole organism. In contrast to ''in vitro'' experiments, '' in vivo'' studies are those conducted in living organisms, including humans, and whole plants. Definition ''In vitro'' ( la, in glass; often not italicized in English usage) studies are conducted using components of an organism that have been isolate ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Antioxidant
Antioxidants are compounds that inhibit oxidation, a chemical reaction that can produce free radicals. This can lead to polymerization and other chain reactions. They are frequently added to industrial products, such as fuels and lubricants, to prevent oxidation, and to foods to prevent spoilage, in particular the rancidification of oils and fats. In cells, antioxidants such as glutathione, mycothiol or bacillithiol, and enzyme systems like superoxide dismutase, can prevent damage from oxidative stress. The only dietary antioxidants are vitamins A, C, and E, but the term ''antioxidant'' has also been applied to numerous other dietary compounds that only have antioxidant properties in vitro, with little evidence for antioxidant properties in vivo. Dietary supplements marketed as antioxidants have not been shown to maintain health or prevent disease in humans. History As part of their adaptation from marine life, terrestrial plants began producing non-marine a ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
