terpenoids (also known as isoprenoids) are a large, diverse class of organic compounds derived from isoprene units, widely produced by plants, fungi, and some animals. terpenoids serve important ecological roles, including plant defense against herbivores, pathogens, and environmental stresses, as well as attracting pollinators.
chemical properties
chemical structure: composed of repeating five-carbon isoprene units (C₅H₈)
classes: monoterpenoids (C₁₀), sesquiterpenoids (C₁₅), diterpenoids (C₂₀), triterpenoids (C₃₀), tetraterpenoids (carotenoids, C₄₀)
solubility: generally insoluble in water; soluble in organic solvents
volatility: varies significantly; monoterpenes are often volatile aromatic compounds
usefulness in medicine
possess diverse pharmacological activities including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anticancer, antiviral, and antimicrobial effects
widely used in traditional and modern medicine for their therapeutic properties (e.g., artemisinin, a sesquiterpenoid used as antimalarial drug)
common terpenoids include menthol (analgesic, cooling), limonene (anti-inflammatory), carotenoids (antioxidants), taxol (anticancer drug)
antimicrobial activity
terpenoids exhibit potent antimicrobial activities by disrupting microbial cell membranes, inhibiting growth, and interfering with microbial enzymes
bacteria:
fungi:
viruses: