Welcome to PhytoChem
A blog about plant natural product chemistry by Monica Scognamiglio
From vine to stein: humulone and isohumulones
Humulone is a chemical compound found in hops (Humulus lupulus). It is an α acid that, together with structurally related compounds, plays a significant role in the brewing process and contributes to the bitterness, flavour, and aroma of beer. This compound, together with many others, constitutes hop resins [1]. Isohumulones are constitutional isomers of humulone…
Keep readingWatermelon: is there more than water and sugars?
In this hot summertime, what’s more refreshing than a slice of watermelon…and wondering about the chemicals present in this fruit? A common misconception is that watermelon is only made of water. Well, first of all, besides water, there are sugars and then chemicals that are responsible for the colour and aroma. The colour is due…
Keep readingThe unbearable lightness of flying
Flying has always fascinated mankind, so much that it has inspired the invention of several devices and machines. Now, however, we are going to talk about a special kind of flight related to witchcraft. While legends about witches are numerous and diversified, being strongly influenced by local traditions, maybe one common trait is that they…
Keep readingCrimson bottlebrush plant and a story about herbicides
Let’s talk about a plant that is very commonly found in gardens in many areas of the world, but that is originally from Australia: the bottlebrush plant (looking at its picture, it is easy to understand why it is called like this). There are actually several bottlebrush species, all belonging to the myrtle family (Myrtaceae).…
Keep readingResveratrol: from plants to human health
Grape harvest season is almost over in Italy. Let’s have a look at a popular compound from grapes and wine: resveratrol, a chemical with many biological activities. This phenolic compound is a stilbenoid present in grapes and several berries (blueberries, raspberries, mulberries, etc.), but also in peanuts. It is found in white, rosé and red…
Keep readingDo you think that natural equals safe? Well, think again!
There is a growing trend to use “natural” products in several fields e.g., natural cosmetics, natural home and personal care products, natural supplements, etc. Well, there might be many reasons for the success of these kind of products and some of them might be good, but there is a thing that always puzzles and, to…
Keep readingTheobromine, a chemical from the «food of the gods»
Enjoyed your Easter chocolate? Well, if like me you are still working on it (😉), please sit down and appreciate a piece of this heavenly food while reading about theobromine. This compound is the main alkaloid of Theobroma cacao (cacao tree) and it is therefore found in chocolate, especially in the dark one [1], whereas…
Keep readingO Tannenbaum
The decoration of Christmas trees is a tradition started in Germany during the Renaissance. However, its roots go far back in time; evergreen plants had a special meaning in many cultures long before the advent of Christianity. Nowadays, decorating a tree with garlands, baubles, tinsel, candy canes, blinking lights (or candles), etc. is a worldwide…
Keep readingIt’s beginning to smell a lot like Christmas
Smells and aromas are profoundly evocative. Those related to Christmas are often connected to our childhood, able to bring us back (at least with the memory) to that awesome time of our lives. This year, we need more than ever this powerful tool to escape at least for a little bit the harsh present reality.What…
Keep readingThe king of the Mediterranean region
Autumn in the South of Italy means a lot of nice things: a still relatively warm weather, the bright warm colours of leaves of deciduous plants slowly turning into a colourful carpet, the smell of roasted chestnuts in the streets, etc. This time of the year is also linked to a very important economic activity:…
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