Biomedicine and Biotechnology
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Biomedicine and Biotechnology. 2015, 3(1), 8-10
DOI: 10.12691/bb-3-1-2
Open AccessReview Article

Biomedical Significance of Terpenes: An Insight

Sabitha Kandi1, Vikram Godishala2, Pragna Rao3 and K.V. Ramana4,

1Department of Biochemistry, Chalmeda AnandRao Institute of Medical Sciences, Karimnagar, Telangana

2Department of Biotechnology, Vaagdevi Degree and PG College, Warangal, Telangana, India

3Department of Biochemistry, Manipal University, Manipal, Karnataka, India

4Department of Microbiology, Prathima Institute of Medical Sciences, Karimnagar, Telangana, India

Pub. Date: March 01, 2015

Cite this paper:
Sabitha Kandi, Vikram Godishala, Pragna Rao and K.V. Ramana. Biomedical Significance of Terpenes: An Insight. Biomedicine and Biotechnology. 2015; 3(1):8-10. doi: 10.12691/bb-3-1-2

Abstract

Terpenes are polymers of isoprenoid units. These isoprenoid units are five carbon compounds and are favorite nature’s building blocks. In terpenes these isoprenoids are arranged in a regular head to tail fashion. The side chains of Vitamin A, E, K, squalene (unsaturated hydrocarbon found in shark, humans) are all constituents of terpenes. Terpenes emit fragrances which allow them to be used as insect repellants, aids in pollination, perfume preparation, cosmetics and also has many medicinal values if used in required quantities. Adverse usage of terpenes has toxic effects like seizures, CNS depression, nausea vomiting etc.

Keywords:
terpenes isoprenoid unit squalene

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