Phenolic compounds constitute by far the largest and most widespread group of secondary plant products. They display a great variety of structures, ranging from simple compounds containing a single aromatic ring to highly complex polymeric substances such as tannins and lignin. Many drug plants are still used today just as much as in the dim past. Although we have learned only in recent decades to master the art of extraction, separation, isolation and structure elucidation thereby arriving at the true active principles of many plants, the modern use of isolated, standardized and precisely dosed isolates or secondary synthetic products is often similar to the use of the whole plant extract. This text illustrates phenolic plants which are indicative of the great potential provided by the use of the plants. Many are known only from the medical aspect, but many others are used to a much greater extent for beverages, spices and through perfumery cosmetics. Ginger and Hops are used pharmaceutically, but much larger amounts are used in the beverage industry. Thyme is a useful gastric agent, but is indispensable for flavoring and oral hygiene. However, phenolic plants of one type or another are used daily by each of us in the form of medicines, cosmetics or spices.Outlined below are certain characteristics of the chemistry, pharmacology and sources of several plant extractives and constituents of current interest to the food, drug and cosmetic industries. Most contain phenolic structure types which play a role in their uses.
ARTICHOKE: (CunaAa tcoiumu* L, {yomliy Compowtae,)Artichoke is a perennial, herbaceous plant of Mediterranean origin. The cauline leaves are the part of the plant used contain chlorogenic acid, l,3-di-0-caffeylquinic acid, (cynarine), cryptochlorogenic, neochlorogenic, 3,5-di-0-caffeylquinic acids, caffeic acid and three flavonoids (luteolin 4'-0-glucoside, luteolin 7-0-glucoside and luteolin 7-0-rhamno-glucoside. (Fig.l) The artichoke was popular in Roman time, both for its therapeutic properties,
