Pterocarpans are derivatives of isoflavonoids found in the family Fabaceae. It is a group of compounds which can be described as benzo-pyrano-furano-benzenes (i.e. 6H-[1]benzofuro[3,2-c]chromene skeleton) which can be formed by coupling of the B ring to the 4-one position.
2'-hydroxyisoflavone reductase is the enzyme responsible for the conversion in Cicer arietinum and glyceollin synthase for the production of glyceollins, phytoalexins in soybean.
Known compounds
Bitucarpin A and B, isolated from the aerial parts of Mediterranean plants Bituminaria morisiana and Bituminaria bituminosa Erybraedin A and B, isolated from the stems of Erythrina subumbrans and C, isolated from the leaves of Bituminaria morisiana Erythrabyssin II, erystagallin A, erythrabissin-1, and erycristagallin isolated from the stems of Erythrina subumbrans Glycinol, glyceollidin I and II, glyceollins (glyceollin I, II, III and IV), found in the soybean (Glycine max) Glycyrrhizol A, isolated from the root of the Chinese licorice plant (Glycyrrhiza uralensis) Maackiain, isolated from the roots of Maackia amurensis subsp. Buergeri Medicarpin, found in Medicago truncatula Morisianine, isolated from the seeds of Bituminaria morisiana Orientanol A, isolated from the wood of Erythrina orientalis Phaseolin, found in French bean seeds Pisatin, found in Pisum sativum Striatine, isolated from aerial parts of Mundulea striata Trifolirhizin, found in Sophora flavescens