léposide

Leposide is a term that can refer to a glycoside where the aglycone (the non-sugar part) is derived from a plant. Glycosides are compounds found in plants and other organisms that consist of a sugar molecule linked to another functional group, the aglycone. When this aglycone is specifically a plant-derived structure, the resulting compound is sometimes called a lepidoside, though this terminology is not universally standardized.

The sugar moiety in a lepidoside is typically glucose, but other sugars like rhamnose or xylose can also be present. The specific chemical structure of the aglycone determines the properties and biological activities of the lepidoside. These compounds are often involved in the plant's defense mechanisms, providing coloration, or acting as signaling molecules.

When extracted from plants, lepidosides can exhibit various pharmacological effects in humans and animals, depending on their structure. These effects can range from antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties to more specific actions on biological pathways. Research into lepidosides often focuses on their potential as therapeutic agents or as markers for identifying specific plant species. The isolation and characterization of lepidosides involve sophisticated analytical techniques in phytochemistry.