Alkylresorcinols: Chemical Properties, Methods of Analysis and Potential Uses in Food, Industry and Plant Protection - Natural Antioxidants and Biocides from Wild Medicinal Plants - page 162

twisted/helical nanofibres, low-molecular-
weight hydro/organogels and liquid crystals,
with potential applications in biomaterials,
templated synthesis and biosensors fields
(John and Vemula, 2006). Cardols can be
used as the starting molecule for the synthe-
sis of bioactive compounds, such as lasi-
odiplodin, a compound with plant growth
regulating and anti-leukaemic properties
(Dos Santos and Magalhães, 1999). The ARs
have potential applications in the pharma-
ceutical industry, in the development of com-
mercial liposome-based drugs. Liposomal
vesicles have been used as carriers of vari-
ous bioactive molecules. They markedly
change the pharmacokinetics of a drug and
lower its systemic toxicity, also preventing
early degradation and/or inactivation after
introduction to the target organism (Allen,
1997). Investigations showed that the pres-
ence of ARs and some of their semi-synthetic
derivatives in liposomes allows the enhance-
ment of liposomal drug encapsulation,
reduces the amount of the lipid carrier ne-
cessary for efficient entrapment of anthracy-
cline drugs, stabilizes liposomal formulation
of the drug (both in suspension and in a
lyophilized powder), does not influence
liposomal fate in the blood circulation system
and provides benefits from other biological

activities of their resorcinolic lipid modifi-
ers (Kozubek et al ., 2000).

10.13 Conclusions

Resorcinolic lipids have been extensively
studied, not only from the chemical but also
from the biological point of view. Interesting
applications of ARs have been proposed in
nutrition, agriculture and industry, with
important impacts on human health. The
physiological functions of ARs in plants
need further research. The ARs may not
only be phytoanticipins but also may regu-
late fluidity of cell membranes from plant
producers. Research oriented to establish
stress-induced changes in both fatty acids
from phospholipids and AR levels/compo-
sition may provide a clearer comprenhen-
sion of the roles of ARs in plant physiology.
In the coming years there is expected to be
increasing interest in the bioactivities of
both synthetic and natural AR derivatives,
including those from Latin American plants.
Further interdisciplinary research is needed
to create a full picture of ARs biosynthesis,
physiological roles and potential practical
applications.

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