Secondary Metabolites

type, natural steroids for the production of pharmaceuticals), tannins and galls, anthraquinones (the purgative drugs: local and foreign sources), cardiac glycosides (local and foreign sources), terpenoids, flavonoids and coumarins, alkaloids [tropane alkaloids (including cocaine), quinoline, isoquinoline, indole, steroidal alkaloidal glycosides. The Indian hemp, anticancer agents from plants and semi-synthetic products] will be discussed under the following headings: biological sources, types, chemistry, classification, identification test, medicinal uses and toxicities. Biogenesis and biosynthesis of plant secondary metabolites: Shikimic acid pathway, acetate mevalonate pathway, biogenesis of alkaloids, flavonoids, anthraquinones etc. Plant tissue culture for the production of secondary metabolites. Evolutionary relationships. Isoprene unit and pathways. Terpenoids; types and interrelationship. Therapeutic importance of secondary metabolites. Evaluation of surgical dressings, commercial dressing fibres- vegetable (cotton, flax, hemp, jute); animal (wool and milk); minerals (asbestos, glass); synthetic (nylon, terylene); fibres generated from carbohydrate and proteinous substances.