Taxonomic patterns in the distribution of alkaloids, phenolic compounds and cyanogenic glycosides in the genistoid group, which includes the tribes Brongniartieae, Genisteae, Thermopsideae, Crotalarieae, Podalyrieae, Euchresteae and part of the Sophoreae, are reviewed. Discontinuities in the distribution of secondary metabolites agree well with recent modifications to generic and tribal delimit...

There are over 24,000 known secondary plant compounds including the alkaloids, non-protein amino acids, cyanogenic glycosides, terpenoids, saponins and flavonoids. Research has concentrated on toxicity and nutritional limitations of plants that result from the presence of secondary compounds. Secondary plant compounds have both anti-nutritional and toxic effects on mammalian herbivores. They al...

Roasted and non roasted full fat or partially defatted flaxseed flours (Linum Usitatissimum) were evaluated for their proximate composition, mineral profile and functional properties. Significant increase in the crude protein, crude fiber, ash and mineral contents in the partially defatted flaxseed flours (both roasted and non-roasted) was observed. Partial defattening improved the foam capacit...

Cyanogenic glucosides are phytoanticipins known to be present in more than 2500 plant species. They are regarded as having an important role in plant defense against herbivores due to bitter taste and release of toxic hydrogen cyanide upon tissue disruption, but recent investigations demonstrate additional roles as storage compounds of reduced nitrogen and sugar that may be mobilized when deman...

Cyanogenic glucosides are phytoanticipins known to be present in more than 2500 plant species. They are considered to have an important role in plant defense against herbivores due to bitter taste and release of toxic hydrogen cyanide upon tissue disruption. Some specialized herbivores, especially insects, preferentially feed on cyanogenic plants. Such herbivores have acquired the ability to me...

Cyanide toxicity and their environmental impact are well known. Nevertheless, they are still used in the mining, galvanic and chemical industries. As a result of industrial activities, cyanides are released in various forms to all elements of the environment. In a natural environment, cyanide exists as cyanogenic glycosides in plants seeds. Too much consumption can cause unpleasant side effects...

Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) is a staple food for more than 500 million people, especially in Africa and South America. However, its consumption bears risks as it contains cyanogenic glycosides that convert enzymatically to toxic cyanide during cell damage. To avoid serious health problems by unintentional cyanide intake, this dangerous product of decomposition must be removed before cons...