Yerba Mate Vocabulary

Hello reader:

This is the second post on Yerba Mate. As the title says, this post consists of some words I came across while reading the articles and did not understand.

Caffeoyl (caffeic acid) -is an organic yellow compound found in all plants. It is a key intermediate in the biosynthesis of lignin.  

Lignin- is a chemical compound that supports the strengthening of wood          (xylem cells) in trees.

Xylem cell- is one of the two types of tissue carriers in vascular      plants. Its function is to transport water and nutrients

Chlorogenic acid- is a complex ester of polyphenolic caffeic acid and cyclitol. Also, is another intermediate in the biosynthesis of lignin.

Phenolic- is a white crystalline which acts as a disinfectant in organic synthesis.

Ester- is a chemical compound derived from reacting an acid and an alcohol. In nature ester are in general, fat.

Quinic Acid- is a cyclitol. It is present in cinchona bark, coffee beans, and the leaves of many plants. In general, it is an intermediate product in the biosynthesis of aromatic compounds in  higher plants and some micro organisms.

Cyclitol- are cycloalkanes containing a hydroxyl group on each of the three or more ring atoms. As well as an osmoprotectant.

Cycloalkanes- a saturated hydrocarbon compound. Known for their constant polygonal form.    

Osmoprotectant- are small molecules that act as osmolytes and help organisms survive extreme osmotic stress.

Osmolyte- are compounds affecting osmosis. Their role is to maintain cell volume and fluid balance.

Osmotic shock (osmotic stress)- is a sudden change in the solute concentration around a cell, causing a rapid change in the movement of water across its cell membrane.

Oxidative stress- is an imbalance between the systematic manifestations of reactive oxygen species and biological system’s ability to readily detoxify the reactive intermediate or repair the resulting damage. In other words, is a toxic effect through the production of peroxides and free radicals which damage component of the cell. In addition, it disrupts cellular signaling.

Flavonoids- are a large part of the water-soluble plant pigments that are beneficial to human health. It has antioxidant, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties.

Xanthine- is a chemical compound found in human tissue and fluids, and other organism. They stimulate the central nervous system, stimulate cardiac muscles and relax smooth muscles.

Saponin- are chemical compounds found in natural sources. It is particularly abundant in plant species. In general, they are characterized by their ability to form emulsions, and durable foam in watery solutions.

Dsylipidemic- an abnormal amount of lipids in the blood.

Lipids- are organic compounds that are greasy to the touch and       insoluble in water. However, they are soluble in alcohol and ether.

Legumes- any plant of the leguminosae family. For example, beans, nuts, lentils, etc

Antioxidant- a chemical compound that protects the body from oxygen radical-induced damage.