Understanding Phenolic Compounds and their Classification in Plants

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20 Jan 2024

PHENOLİC COMPOUNDS -1

Phenolic substances, which have more than 10,000 components and can be divided into different classes according to their simple chemical structures, are classified as heterogeneous groups when examined chemically. It is possible to divide this group into two subclasses: non-flavonoids (phenolic acid) and flavonoids (flavonols, flavanones, flavones, anthocyanidins, isoflavones). All components and substances included in the classification have high molecular weight. At the same time, these substances may have different ring groups, from simple to complex.

If a separate classification is to be made, we can also divide the phenolic substances in plant foods into subgroups such as lignans, stilbenes, phenolic acids and flavonoids. In these groups, the classes that have antioxidant importance are phenolic acids and flavonoids.
Phenolic compounds and flavonoids are polyphenol compounds that can be found in plants, vegetables and fruits. Research shows that these compounds are natural antioxidants. Flavonoids; They are divided into subgroups such as flavanones, flavanols, flavone, isoflavone and anthocyanins. As a result of scientific research, the effect of this group of antioxidants on cardiovascular diseases is too great to be ignored.

If we give information about anthocyanins, as a result of research conducted by Michangan University, it has been determined that the anthocyanin substance found in cherry fruit has the pain suppression feature of a normal painkiller drug. At the same time, when the clinical values in these studies are examined, it is revealed that 15-20 cherries contain 12-25 mg of anthocyanin substance and that it is 10 times more effective than the pain relieving effect of a normal aspirin substance.

Regarding information about isoflavones; They constitute the class with the highest esterogenic activity among phenolic substances. They are also specifically called phytoestrogens. The plants in which this group of phenolic substances are most abundant are soybean and Angelica sinensis. Daidzein and genistein are also seen as the leading compounds in this group. Since it is not possible for the human body to synthesize these compounds by its own mechanisms, it must obtain them from outside. Other clinical studies have revealed that isoflavones are also effective on bone development in women during menopause. The average daily isoflavone dose recommended by scientists is 40 mg.

İf we look at the flavonols section, the plants where this group is found most are; citrus fruits, potatoes, tomatoes, spinach, legumes and garlic. Quercetin, obtained from these plants and foods, is the most important substance of this group. As is the case with other phenolic substances, it has antioxidant properties and also acts as a protector against esophageal, stomach and skin cancer diseases. According to the results obtained from different clinical studies, it has been determined that this group, and especially quercetin, has cholesterol-lowering and blood-clotting effects.

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