Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 10, 2026

07:34
Soybean Hairy Root Transformation for the Analysis of Gene Function
Published on: May 5, 2023
Isoflavonoids of the leguminosae
1Jodrell Laboratory, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Richmond, Surrey TW9 3AB, UK. n.veitch@kew.org
Natural Product Reports
|June 6, 2013
Summary
This review details 275 novel isoflavonoids from the Leguminosae family discovered between 2008-2011. It covers their identification, biological activities, synthesis, and ecological significance, alongside analytical techniques and biosynthesis.
Area of Science:
- Phytochemistry
- Natural Product Chemistry
- Organic Chemistry
Background:
- Isoflavonoids are a significant class of plant secondary metabolites, particularly abundant in the Leguminosae family.
- Previous research has identified numerous isoflavonoids, but a comprehensive overview of recent discoveries is needed.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review new isoflavonoids identified in Leguminosae plants between 2008 and 2011.
- To discuss their sources, identification methods, biological activities, and significance.
- To highlight advances in analytical techniques and biosynthetic studies.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of publications from 2008-2011 focusing on Leguminosae isoflavonoids.
- Compilation of data on compound source, identification, biological activity, and synthesis.
- Review of hyphenated analytical techniques and biosynthetic pathway studies.
Main Results:
- 275 new isoflavonoids were identified in various Leguminosae species.
- Data on the biological activity, synthesis, and ecological/chemosystematic significance of these compounds were compiled.
- Advances in the application of hyphenated analytical techniques for isoflavonoid characterization were discussed.
Conclusions:
- The period 2008-2011 saw significant expansion in the discovery and characterization of Leguminosae isoflavonoids.
- Isoflavonoids continue to be of interest due to their diverse biological activities and chemosystematic importance.
- Analytical and biosynthetic studies are crucial for understanding these compounds.
Related Concept Videos
Cancer Prevention
Several factors can increase the risk of cancer in an individual. About 50% of cancer cases can be prevented by adopting a healthy lifestyle, regular exercise, eating healthy, and following a modest cancer prevention diet. Epidemiological studies have consistently shown that populations with vegetable and fruit-rich diets have reduced the incidence of cancer. On the other hand, populations who have a diet rich in animal fat, red meat, junk food, or high calories are predisposed to cancer.
Some...
Some...
Plant Hormones
Plant hormones—or phytohormones—are chemical molecules that modulate one or more physiological processes of a plant. In animals, hormones are often produced in specific glands and circulated via the circulatory system. However, plants lack hormone-producing glands.
Plant Hormones
Plant hormones—or phytohormones—are chemical molecules that modulate one or more physiological processes of a plant. In animals, hormones are often produced in specific glands and circulated via the circulatory system. However, plants lack hormone-producing glands.
Lipids: Dietary Sources and Requirements
Lipids are an essential component of a balanced human diet. Triglycerides, which make up the majority of dietary lipids, are found in both saturated fats—commonly present in meat, dairy products, and certain tropical plants like coconut, and hydrogenated oils such as margarine and baking shortenings (trans fats)—and unsaturated fats, which are abundant in seeds, nuts, olive oil, and most vegetable oils. The main sources of cholesterol include egg yolks, various meats and organ meats, shellfish,...
Lipid-derived Compounds in the Human Body
Fats and lipids are crucial components in the human body. Some lipid-derived compounds, such as fat-soluble vitamins, eicosanoids, lipoproteins, and glycolipids, also play unique roles to support various biological processes .
Fat-soluble Vitamins
Fat-soluble vitamins, including vitamins A, D, E, and K, are required in minimal quantities, but their deficiencies can lead to severely abnormal physiological conditions. For example, vitamin A deficiency can cause night blindness, dry skin, delayed...
Fat-soluble Vitamins
Fat-soluble vitamins, including vitamins A, D, E, and K, are required in minimal quantities, but their deficiencies can lead to severely abnormal physiological conditions. For example, vitamin A deficiency can cause night blindness, dry skin, delayed...
Cellulose and Pectic Polysaccharides
Every plant cell has a cell wall that protects the cell, provides structural support, and gives the cell shape. Cellulose, the main structural component of the plant cell wall, makes up over 30% of plant matter. It is the most abundant organic compound on earth. Cellulose is an unbranched polysaccharide composed of linear chains of glucose molecules linked by β (1→4) glycosidic bonds.
As a cell matures, its cell wall specializes according to its type. For example, the parenchyma cells of...
As a cell matures, its cell wall specializes according to its type. For example, the parenchyma cells of...

