Pharmacological activity in plant-based drugs is centred on the presence of
chemical compounds which we call active compounds. Active components are
substances which are found in different parts and organs of plants, which change or
modify the functions of human and animal organs and systems. There is a huge variety
of active components, of which the most important are secondary metabolites such as
essential oils, alkaloids, glycosides and phenolics. There are many classifications but
we will use the following classification in four groups according to chemical structure:
glycosides, phenolics, terpenoids, and alkaloids. These in turn are sub-divided into
other groups according to their chemical structure. In this chapter, a classification,
description function and examples of these active compounds is presented. We will
make reference to secondary metabolites only, due to their significance as a source for
active ingredients.
Keywords: Active compounds, Alkaloids, Anthraquinonic glycosides, Cardioactive
glycosides, Coumarins, Cyanogenic glycosides, Diterpenes, Essential oils,
Flavonoid glycosides, Flavonoids, Glycosides, Iridoids, Isoquinoleine, Isothiocyanate
glycosides, Lactones, Lignans, Phenolic acids, Phenolic glycosides,
Phenolics, Polyphenols, Quinine, Quinones, Saponins, Tannins, Terpenoids,
Tropane.
