Bergenin monohydrate (CAS 477-90-7)

Bergenin monohydrate is a crystalline form of bergenin, a trihydroxybenzoic acid glycoside, which is characterized by the inclusion of a single molecule of water in its crystalline structure. This naturally occurring compound is found in several plants, including those in the genera Bergenia, Saxifraga, and Ardisia. Bergenin is known for its diverse range of biological activities, which have been explored extensively in various fields of plant biochemistry and natural product chemistry. In scientific research, bergenin monohydrate is particularly noted for its role as an antioxidant. The compound exhibits this activity through its ability to scavenge free radicals and reactive oxygen species, thereby reducing oxidative stress in biological systems. This mechanism is critical in understanding how plants protect themselves against environmental stresses and can be studied to explore antioxidant pathways in various organisms. Additionally, bergenin monohydrate has been used in studies investigating its potential as a protective agent against DNA damage. Its ability to interact with and stabilize DNA under oxidative conditions makes it a valuable compound in research focused on the prevention of mutation and the maintenance of genomic integrity. In the field of enzymology, bergenin monohydrate has been utilized to study its inhibitory effects on certain enzymes. For example, research has demonstrated that bergenin can inhibit enzymes like alpha-glucosidase, which is important in the breakdown of carbohydrates. This property allows scientists to use bergenin monohydrate in exploring mechanisms of enzyme inhibition and in the development of enzyme assay systems.