These ingredients are also known as phytamines. They are produced in specific cell types in the plant and are not part of the plant’s vital metabolism. This is why they are called secondary active ingredients. These natural substances, as they are also called, are of great importance to humans. They are highly effective substances. A plant produces various of them, but always depending on the growing conditions. They are found in all parts of the plant. Foods that contain these substances and have them in balanced proportions are known as remedies. See further articles in this section.
Terpenes are a heterogeneous and large group of very different compounds, all of which are ultimately derived from isoprene. Around 8000 different terpenes are known today. In addition, there are around 30,000 terpenoids. These are related substances. They are the main components of essential oils. Their spectrum of action is broad and ranges from: antiviral, bactericidal, insecticidal, blood pressure-lowering, circulation-promoting, nerve-relaxing, mucus-removing and airway-opening, menstruation-promoting, liver-cleansing, muscle-tonus-lifting, lymph vessel-cleansing, skin-cleansing and regeneration-building. Terpenes are divided into various subgroups. Plants often produce complex mixtures of terpenes. These mixtures are therefore also used in the production of refined perfumes.
Phenols, polyphenols, and their glycosides. It is also a broad group of substances. Around 10,000 different ones are known today. The best-known representative is probably tannin from red wine. They are known as flavor carriers. Their spectrum of action is also very broad. Some are known in cancer research to kill cells.
Betalains are a group of water-soluble flower and fruit pigments. They form the third group of plant pigments. They are all non-toxic alkaloids that have antioxidant properties and are therefore of medical interest.
Glucoseinolates belong to the glycoside group of substances. They are the substances that give many vegetables their bitter taste. They are found in large quantities in cabbage varieties and are known to bind iodine if this vegetable is consumed in excess, which can lead to goitre. However, this group of substances also contains representatives that have an extremely positive effect on human health. Some are known to have skin regenerating, mycotic, antibacterial and antiviral properties. Some are under investigation because they are believed to inhibit the cell metabolism of tumor cells. Others because they increase the tolerance blockade of the immune system.
Polyins are a group of substances that to date have mainly been found in umbellifers and composite plants. Their effect is UV-radiating and they are used as a cancer remedy in certain countries such as Indonesia. It is an extract of the plant Paramacrolobium caeruleum. Another compound is known to be present in ginseng and is thought to play an important role in the healing power of ginseng.
Anthocyane ist eine Gruppe an Verbindungen, welche für die rot, violette und blaue Färbung von Früchten und Pflanzen zuständig sind. Sie gehören zu der bekannten Stoffgruppe der Flavonoide. Diese Farbstoffe haben ein Wirkungsspektrum, das im antioxidativen und als Radikalfänger sich auszeichnet. Aronia, Brombeere, Kirschen und schwarze und blaue Bohnen enthalten erhöhte Mengen dieser Verbindungen
Anthocyanins are a group of compounds that are responsible for the red, purple and blue coloring of fruits and plants. They belong to the well-known flavonoid group of substances. These colorants have a spectrum of activity that is characterized by their antioxidant and free radical scavenging properties. Aronia, blackberries, cherries and black and blue beans contain increased amounts of these compounds.