Natural product
Natural product
Natural product (/ˈnætʃərəl ˈprɒdʌkt/) is a term in chemistry for any substance produced by a living organism. This broad definition includes substances from plants, animals, and microorganisms.
Etymology
The term "natural product" has its origins in the mid-19th century, when it was used to describe substances isolated from plants that had medicinal properties. The term was later expanded to include substances produced by animals and microorganisms.
Definition
In the broadest sense, natural products include any substance produced by life. Natural products can also be prepared by chemical synthesis (both semi-synthesis and total synthesis) and have played a central role in the development of the field of organic chemistry by providing challenging synthetic targets.
Classification
Natural products may be classified according to their biological function, biosynthetic pathway, or source. The major classification of natural products is terpenes, steroids, phenols, alkaloids, polyketides, and glycosides.
Related terms
- Pharmacognosy: The study of medicinal drugs derived from plants or other natural sources.
- Phytochemistry: The study of phytochemicals, which are chemicals derived from plants.
- Zoopharmacognosy: The process by which animals self-medicate, by selecting and using plants, soils, and insects to treat and prevent disease.
See also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Natural product
- Wikipedia's article - Natural product
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