Category: Natural compounds

Over 70 million American adults have high cholesterol, a key risk factor for heart disease. A heart-healthy diet often includes compounds known as phytosterols, or plant sterols, which have been proven to help manage blood cholesterol levels. Yet, the benefits of what phytosterols do for the body extend far beyond simply keeping cholesterol in check.

First identified in the epicuticular waxes of apples in the 1920s, ursolic acid is a naturally occurring pentacyclic triterpenoid that has been researched for its wide range of biological activities. To understand its prevalence in health, nutrition, and cosmetics, it's helpful to know that there is another name for ursolic acid and several common synonyms for this plant-derived compound.

Sulfuretin is a natural flavonoid found in various plants, including the Chinese lacquer tree (*Rhus verniciflua*) and edible dahlias. The compound is of particular interest in East Asian traditional medicine, where its sources have long been utilized as both a food additive and for therapeutic purposes.

Caftaric acid is a naturally occurring phenolic compound found in high concentrations in grapes and Echinacea. Its primary benefit comes from its potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, which are being studied for their potential protective effects against various diseases.

D-alanine is a naturally occurring amino acid, not an artificial invention, but its natural distribution is fundamentally different from the L-alanine found ubiquitously in human proteins. This makes its role in biology unique and a key aspect of how organisms function at a microbial level.

According to a study published on PubMed, anethole is a bioactive compound found in over 20 plant species, including anise and star anise. This naturally occurring compound is not just a fragrant flavoring agent, but also possesses a range of health benefits from anti-inflammatory effects to antimicrobial properties.

Tannic acid, a form of hydrolysable tannin, is a naturally occurring polyphenol found in a wide variety of plants, including tree bark, leaves, and unripe fruits. The availability of tannic acid depends on whether you are seeking small quantities from everyday sources or purchasing a specific grade for commercial or scientific use.

For over 4,000 years, licorice root has been used in traditional medicine and as a flavoring agent. The primary source of its characteristic sweet flavor and many of its health benefits is a natural compound known as glycyrrhizic acid.

While most mammals don't produce them, over 500 different ecdysteroid analogues have been identified across the animal and plant kingdoms. Understanding the diverse sources of ecdysteroids is key to appreciating their prevalence and potential applications in fields ranging from sports nutrition to medicine.

Lignin, the second most abundant natural polymer after cellulose, has transitioned from an industrial waste product to a promising source of bioactive compounds for medical applications. Its complex structure, abundant phenolic groups, and natural defense functions give rise to a variety of medicinal properties currently under intense scientific investigation. Emerging research highlights its potential as a natural, sustainable, and highly versatile biomaterial in biomedicine.