Classification and origin of the glycosides

Classification of glycosides. Galactosides, fructosides, glucosides, cardiotonic. Origin.

Classification

The term glycoside is generic of these products initially related to the presence of the sugar glucose in their molecules but also are named according to the sugar bound as galactosides (of galactose), fructosides (of fructose) etc.

Another classification relates to the complexity of the sugar molecule, resulting the terms monosaccharides, disaccharides and trisaccharides, etc.

The classification with the aglycone fraction is extensive due to the wide variety of these in nature, however sometimes appear related as in the case of cardiotonic.

Origin

Glycosides are widely distributed throughout the plant kingdom and are contained in various fruits, pigments of flowers, seeds, bark and exudation of plants.

Glycosides of animal origin are rare.

The aglycone fractions are mostly cyclic or aromatic structures, also including steroid structures.

Some glucosides are active poisons as cyanogenetic and cardiotonic that only should be used under medical supervision.

Classification and origin of the glycosides

Classification

Origin

See also