15 - Ceramides, Cerebrosides, and Related Long Chains Containing Derivatives from the Medicinal Plants of Africa

Abstract

This chapter deals with ceramides and cerebrosides isolated from African medicinal plants. The structures and the pharmacological activities associated with some of the compounds are also reviewed. A general biosynthetic pathway for these secondary metabolites is also shown. This chapter discusses other classes of compounds found in African medicinal plants, such as piperidinic ceramides, glycerides, and fatty acids, including long chains and ramified derivatives. Many ceramides and cerebrosides have been isolated from African plants as either new or known compounds, but only limited pharmacological investigations have been conducted. However, those with biological activity, such as lutaoside, benjaminamide, ficusamide, newboudiamide, and pancoviamide, have been identified.