Chemotaxonomy
If the taxonomic classification used (based mainly on morphological parameters)
approximates a natural classification there should be a good correlation between
the taxonomy and occurrence of plant secondary compounds. It may be possible to
discover related compounds in related species, genera, or families.
Several members of the family Combretaceae have been used to treat bacterial
diseases in southern Africa [15, 16]. Different degrees of antibacterial activity in the
different species may have some taxonomic predictive value [21]. We have success-
fully used the chemotaxonomic approach to reveal significant biological activity of
many members of this family [21–27], and this is described in more detail later in
the chapter.
Random Selection
The value of the random method of selecting plants should not be underestimated,
taking into consideration the diversity of plant life in South Africa. Balick [28] has
found that after dereplication there is no difference between the anti-HIV activity
of species randomly screened and that of species with ethnomedicinal use.
5.5 Selection of Plant Species to Investigate 101
If the taxonomic classification used (based mainly on morphological parameters)
approximates a natural classification there should be a good correlation between
the taxonomy and occurrence of plant secondary compounds. It may be possible to
discover related compounds in related species, genera, or families.
Several members of the family Combretaceae have been used to treat bacterial
diseases in southern Africa [15, 16]. Different degrees of antibacterial activity in the
different species may have some taxonomic predictive value [21]. We have success-
fully used the chemotaxonomic approach to reveal significant biological activity of
many members of this family [21–27], and this is described in more detail later in
the chapter.
Random Selection
The value of the random method of selecting plants should not be underestimated,
taking into consideration the diversity of plant life in South Africa. Balick [28] has
found that after dereplication there is no difference between the anti-HIV activity
of species randomly screened and that of species with ethnomedicinal use.
5.5 Selection of Plant Species to Investigate 101
إرسال تعليق