higher plant glycosides used therapeutically
have a bio-action
therapeutic in low doses, toxic in-excess
ie have a narrow therapeutic index
Glycosides =
aglycone / ‘genin’ - hydrocarbon part
+ glycone - sugar part (water solubility)
Ether linked:
X-OH + R-OH ↔ X-O-R + H20 (glycosidic bond)
unstable
susceptible to hydrolysis (dilute acid, enzymes)