Analysis of Terpenoids

• Monoterpenoids (C10, 2 isoprene units)
• Sesquiterpenoids (C15, 3 isoprene units)
• Diterpenoids (C20, 4 isoprene units)
• Sesterterpenoids (C25, 5 isoprene units)
• Triterpenoids (C30, 6 isoprene units)
• Tetraterpenoids (C40, 8 isoprene units)
• Polyterpenoids (larger structures, many isoprene units)

• Monoterpenoids like menthol (from peppermint) and limonene (from citrus fruits) are often used in cosmetics and food products for their fragrant properties.
• Sesquiterpenes like artemisinin (from the sweet wormwood plant) are used as antimalarial drugs.
• Diterpenes include compounds like taxol (from the Pacific yew tree), which is used in cancer therapy.
• Triterpenoids include saponins, which have a range of bioactive properties and are often found in traditional medicines, and steroids, which have roles in many biological processes in animals.
• Carotenoids are tetraterpenoids that have key roles in plant pigmentation and contribute to the health benefits of many fruits and vegetables.

Bark

• Pinene - A monoterpene commonly found in the bark of pine trees that has a distinctive pine-like aroma. There are two structural isomers of pinene found in nature: alpha-pinene and beta-pinene, with alpha-pinene being more prevalent.
• Cedrol - A sesquiterpene alcohol found in the bark of cedar trees. It has a distinctive woody, cedar-like aroma and is used in the perfume industry.
• Camphor - A bicyclic monoterpene found in the bark of the camphor tree. It has a strong, minty aroma and a cooling sensation. Camphor is used in medicinal products such as ointments and inhalants.
• Taxol - A diterpene found in the bark of the Pacific Yew tree. It has been found to inhibit the growth of cancer cells and is used as a chemotherapy drug.
• Limonene - This is a monoterpene that is found in the bark of citrus trees. Limonene has a strong, citrusy aroma and is used in a wide range of products from cleaning agents to cosmetics.
• Betulin and Betulinic Acid - These are triterpenoids found in the bark of the white birch tree. Both compounds have been studied for their potential anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. Click here to read about Celignis's work with the extraction and purification of betulin.

Roots

• Artemisinin - This sesquiterpenoid is found in the roots and leaves of the sweet wormwood plant (Artemisia annua). It is a powerful antimalarial compound and is used in the production of some of the most effective antimalarial drugs currently available.
• Ginsenosides - These are a class of steroid glycosides, and triterpenoid saponins, found in the roots of the ginseng plant. They have been studied for a wide range of potential health benefits, including anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and immune-modulating effects.
• Astragalosides - These triterpenoid saponins are found in the roots of the Astragalus plant. They have been studied for their potential immune-boosting and heart-protective effects.
• Withanolides - These are a group of steroidal lactones which constitute a major part of the ashwagandha root (Withania somnifera). They are known for their adaptogenic properties, helping the body resist physical and chemical stresses.
• Furanocoumarins - Found in the roots of many citrus plants, these terpenoid derivatives have been studied for their potential antiviral and anticancer properties.
• Paclitaxel (Taxol) - This complex diterpenoid is originally derived from the bark, but it is now more commonly synthesized from the precursors found in the roots of the yew tree. It is a powerful anti-cancer drug used in the treatment of a variety of cancers.

Fruit and Vegetables

• Limonene - This monoterpene is abundant in the peel of citrus fruits (e.g. oranges, lemons, limes, and grapefruits) and is responsible for their characteristic citrusy aroma.
• Thymol - Thyme contains thymol, a monoterpene with antimicrobial properties.
• Capsaicin - This terpenoid is the compound responsible for the spiciness of chili peppers.
• Mangiferin - This potent antioxidant is found in the peel, and leaves of mango.
• Alpha-farnesene - One of the many terpenoids found in apples that contribute to their aroma.
• Humulene and Myrcene - These are two terpenoids, among others, that are found in hops that contribute to the flavour of beer.
• Allicin - This is one of the sulphur-containing terpenoids in garlic that contributes to its strong aroma and flavour.
• Linalool - A terpenoid found in pineapple that contributes to its unique aroma, with pinene being another example.

Seeds

• Carotenoids - This terpenoid provides the yellow, orange, and red colors found in many plants. Carotenoids are found in the seeds of many plants, including corn and tomatoes.
• Ginkgolides - Found in the seeds of Ginkgo biloba and have been studied for their potential medicinal properties, including as anti-asthmatic and anti-allergic agents.
• Artemisinin - This is a sesquiterpene lactone (a type of terpenoid) found in the seeds and leaves of Artemisia annua (sweet wormwood). It is used as an anti-malarial drug.
• Sesquiterpene lactones - Found in many plant seeds, sesquiterpene lactones are known to have anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial effects. Some seeds of the Asteraceae family, such as sunflower seeds, contain these terpenoids.
• Monoterpenes - Certain seeds, such as fennel and dill, contain monoterpenes like limonene and carvone, which give these seeds their characteristic aromas.
• Saponins - Saponins, which are glycosylated terpenoids, are found in a variety of seeds including quinoa and fenugreek.