glycosides

Glycosides are molecules composed of two parts: a sugar molecule and a non-sugar component called an aglycone. They naturally occur in many plants and serve various functions, such as storing energy or providing defense against pests. When enzymes or acids break the bond between the sugar and the aglycone, they release active substances that can have medicinal or toxic effects. For example, some medicines derived from plants, like digitalis for heart issues, are glycosides. Overall, glycosides are important for both plant biology and their use in medicine.