Abstract

Iridoids are secondary metabolites produced by plants and some animals as a defense mechanism against animals and insects. These are cyclopenta[c]pyrane containing monoterpenoids presenting various pharmacological effects and have been used traditionally in Ayurveda and folk medicine. Another interesting property of these chemical compounds is the production of colorants on reacting with amino acids or amine containing reactants. They produce water soluble dyes among which genipin producing blue dyes are widely studied and also used commercially. This article reviews the potential of various iridoids to produce colorants, their presumed mechanism of reaction, potential application efficiency and use of Computer aided drug design (CADD) studies for further research with regards to dye interaction with fabric or receptor when administered internally.

Keywords: Amino acid, CADD, cyclopentanepyran, dyes, genipin, monoterpenoids.