Term | Definition |
Terpenoids | The oldest group of small molecules, like camphor, synthesized by plants from isopentenyl diphosphate IPP metabolic control and are involved in mediating intra- and inter-species interactions like pollination and defense in plants |
Tonic | A drink traditionally used to increase vitality like sassafras tea |
Alkaloids | Usually a small, heavily derivatized amino acid like atropine produced by Belladonna (Atropa belladonna), cocaine, morphine, or caffeine |
Steroids | The molecule is composed of four rings that are joined together made from the cyclization of the triterpene squalene. Some phytosterols in thi group of compounds have cholesterol-lowering properties |
Glucosides | Heavily modified sugar molecules like ginsenosides or panaxosides produced by Panix ginseng or P. quinquefolia |
Phenols | Hydroxyl group (—OH) bonded directly to an aromatic (ring structure) hydrocarbon group in compounds such as salicylic acid biosynthesized in willow trees from the amino acid phenylalanine |
Primary Metabolite | Consists of processes leading to production of sugars, amino acids, lipids (storage reserve, constituents of plant membranes, nutritional elements) and nucleotides (genetic material) required for normal plant growth and development |
Phenazines (anthraquinone-derivatives) | Complex aromatic compounds containing many attached ring structures such hypericin, pseudohypericin, and hyperforin produced by St. John's wort |
Vitamins | Organic compounds that are necessary for body metabolism and, generally, must be provided from the diet, commonly from plants |
Secondary Metabolite | Organic compounds that are not directly involved in the normal growth, development or reproduction of organisms |