Usyntet

Usyntet is a Norwegian term used to describe substances that are not produced by deliberate laboratory synthesis. It refers to natural products or compounds formed by biological processes and obtained directly from nature, such as plants, microbes, or animals. The term is mainly used in contrast to syntetiske (synthetic) substances, which are created through chemical synthesis in a lab. In some contexts, usyntet can also cover products derived from natural sources with little modification, with semi-syntetisk applied to derivatives that are partially chemically altered.

In chemistry and pharmacology, usyntet includes alkaloids, terpenes, vitamins, and other compounds that occur in nature. Natural products are valued for their structural complexity and biological activity, but their supply can depend on environmental conditions and harvesting, leading to variability. Syntetiske analoger and semi-syntetiske derivatives are often developed to improve yield, stability, or pharmacological properties.

Production of usyntet materials typically involves extraction and purification from natural sources, followed by characterization and quality control. Biotechnology has expanded the production of usyntet products through fermentation or recombinant expression when applicable. Regulatory considerations treat natural products differently from fully synthetic drugs, with emphasis on source, purity, and reproducibility.

See also: natural product, synthetic chemistry, semi-synthesis, bioproduction, pharmacognosy.