Alkaloids Group of nitrogen-containing Affect both the nervous and circulatory
compounds with most thera- systems. Most familiar are atropine,
peutic plant substances: an- caffeine, cocaine, morphine, nicotine,
algesic, local anesthetic, and quinine.
sedating, antispasmodic, heart
constricting, and/or hallucina-
tory; poisonous to varying
degrees
Isoflavones Compounds similar to human May prevent prostate, breast, and other
estrogen and found primarily hormone-related cancers; lower choles-
in soy products terol, relieve menopausal symptoms,
prevent osteoporosis by increasing bone
density.
Carotenoids Yellow, orange, or red pigments Beta-carotene may aid in cancer pre-
in photosynthetic plants, vention by neutralizing free radicals.
converted into vitamin A Used in conjunction with topical sun-
in the liver screens, better prevention of sunburn
and skin damage.
Lycopene may prevent prostate cancer
and decrease risk of heart attacks.
Lutein may be useful in prevention of
macular degeneration, a leading cause
of blindness in the elderly.
Glycosides Complex organic substances; Cardiac glycosides include
some of most potent herbal foxglove and lily of the valley,
remedies and among most which affect cardiac contractions
toxic substance known and used to correct arrhythmias.
Mustard glycosides are used externally
and have antiseptic and analgesic effects.
Cyanogenic glycosides release hydro-
gen cyanide when chewed or digested
resulting in antispasmodic, purgative,
and sedative effects. Found in some
nuts, vegetables, and the seeds of some
fruits. Hydrogen cyanide, sometimes
called prussic acid, is highly poisonous.
Phenolic glycosides include salicylic
derivatives found in willow and other
plants and is main ingredient in
aspirin–antiseptic, analgesic, and anti-
inflammatory effects.
Coumarine glycosides strengthen capil-
lary walls and act as anticoagulant.
Anthraquinones glycosides are used as
laxatives.
CHAPTER 6 HERBAL MEDICINE 87Phytonutrient Properties Use & Effects