Elmadfa, Biological Relevance of Terpenoids: Overview Focusing On Mono-Di and
Tetraterpenes, Ann.
In addition, several types of terpenoids or terpenes ([C.sub.10][H.sub.16]), such as diterpenes ([C.sub.20]), triterpenes ([C.sub.30]),
tetraterpenes ([C.sub.40]), hemiterpenes ([C.sub.5]), and sesquiterpenes ([C.sub.15]), have also effective antifungal activity [16].
Terpenoids are classified to hemi-terpenes (C5), monoterpenes (C10), sesquiterpenes (C15), diterpenes (C20), triterpenes (C30), and
tetraterpenes (C40) [25].
This synergy is probably due to the lipophilic properties of terpenoids (mono-, di-, tri-, and
tetraterpenes), mainly influencing the permeability of the cell membrane.
They occur as di (C20), tri (C30), and
tetraterpenes (C40), as well as hemi (C5) and sesquiterpenes (C15).
Carotenoids are cyclic or noncyclic
tetraterpenes with properties and activities in biological systems related to their structures.
All of this marvelous mixture of colors results from the combination of three groups of basic chemical compounds: chlorophyll, which consists of green pigments of porphynidic structure, quite similar to the hemoglobin found in blood, but with a magnesium atom in the middle of the molecule (hemoglobin has an iron atom); the carotenoids, among them the red and orange carotene and the yellow xanthophyll, that are
tetraterpenes; and the anthocyanins of red and blue colors, which are complex molecules that include sugars and flavonoid compounds in their composition.
Carotenoids are natural
tetraterpenes (C40) which are produced by microorganisms, plants, and marine invertebrates.