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Citrus medica var. sarcodactylus (Siebold ex Hoola van Nooten) Swingle is not only a delicious fruit with rich nutrients, but also a traditional Chinese medicine with clinical values. The botanical characteristics of C. medica var. sarcodactylus (Siebold ex Hoola van Nooten) Swingle are systematically summarized and descripted in this paper. C. medica var. sarcodactylus (Siebold ex Hoola van Nooten) Swingle is used to treat many diseases in Chinese folk as a traditional medicine. Compounds (1–180) were identified from C. medica var. sarcodactylus (Siebold ex Hoola van Nooten) Swingle, including flavonoids (1–45), lignans (46–69), coumarins (70–93), volatile oils (94–163), carbohydrates (164–168), and others (169–180), and their structural characteristics are summarized and analyzed. The extracts or compounds of this plant have been reported to exert various pharmacological activities, such as anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, anti-cancer, hypolidemic, anti-microbial, immunosuppressive, anti-depressant, anti-diabetic, hepatoprotective, neuroprotective activities, and their effective doses and experimental models are summarized and discussed in this paper. Future studies should focus on extraction technology, component analysis, molecular mechanism of C. medica var. sarcodactylus (Siebold ex Hoola van Nooten) Swingle to fill the study gap, as well as to provide an important theoretical basis and valuable references for in-depth researches and exploitations of C. medica var. sarcodactylus (Siebold ex Hoola van Nooten) Swingle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Paulownia species, especially their flowers and fruits, are traditionally used in Chinese herbal medicines for the treatment of infectious diseases. C-geranylated flavonoids were found to be the major special metabolites in Paulownia flowers and fruits, and 76 C-geranylated flavonoids had been isolated and characterized thus far. Structural variations in Paulownia C-geranylated flavonoids are mainly due to the complicated structural modifications in their geranyl substituents. These natural compounds have attracted much attention because of their various biological activities, including antioxidation, anti-inflammation, cytotoxic activity and various enzymatic inhibitions, etc. Among them, diplacone, a major Paulownia component, was considered to have promise for applications in medicine. This paper summarizes the information from current publications on Paulownia C-geranylated flavonoids, with a focus on their structural variety, key spectroscopic characteristics, biological activity with structure–activity relationships and application prospects. We hope that this paper will stimulate further investigations of Paulownia species and this kind of natural product. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Naturally occurring phenanthroindolizidine and phenanthroquinolizidine alkaloids (PIAs and PQAs) are two small groups of herbal metabolites sharing a similar pentacyclic structure with a highly oxygenated phenanthrene moiety fused with a saturated or an unsaturated N-heterocycle (indolizidine/quinolizidine moieties). Natural PIAs and PQAs only could be obtained from finite plant families (such as Asclepiadaceae, Lauraceae and Urticaceae families, etc.). Up to date, more than one hundred natural PIAs, while only nine natural PQAs had been described. PIA and PQA analogues have been applied to the development of potent anticancer agents all along because of their excellent cytotoxic activity. However, in the last two decades, other great biological properties, such as anti-inflammatory and antiviral activities were revealed successively by different pharmacological assays. Especially because of their potent antiviral activity against coronavirus (TGEV, SARS CoV and MHV) and tobacco mosaic virus, PIA and PQA analogues have attracted much pharmaceutical attention again, some of them have been used to present interesting targets for total or semi synthesis, and structure–activity relationship (SAR) study for the development of antiviral agents. In this review, natural PIA and PQA analogues obtained in the last two decades with their herbal origins, key spectroscopic characteristics for structural identification, biological activity with possible SARs and application prospects were systematically summarized. We hope this paper can stimulate further investigations on PIA and PQA analogues as an important source for potential drug discovery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Jujubae Fructus (ZJF) [called Dazao (大枣) in Chinese], the fruit of Ziziphus jujuba Mill. (ZJ), is utilized as a food and traditional medicine in China. In TCM use, ZJF is traditionally used to treat and nourish the stomach, tonify the spleen, and nourish the blood, as well as for overall nourishing and strength. According to the available literature from 1974 to March 2019, more than 278 compounds have been isolated and identified from ZJ. Local books, papers and dissertations were also searched. The aim of this review was to examine this plant's traditional uses, botany, phytochemistry, pharmacological effects, toxicity, pharmacokinetics, quality control and economically important uses. In vivo and in vitro scientific investigations have initially confirmed its pharmacological potential by showing anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, gastrointestinal protective, cardiovascular, neuroprotective, anticancer, anti-HIV, sedative-hypnotic and anxiolytic effects. Bioactive metabolites belonging to different classes are responsible for these activities, including triterpenoid acids, saponins, cyclopeptide alkaloids, flavonoids and neo-lignans, which are considered the characteristic and active components of ZJ. The TCM use of ZJF, including tonifying and replenishing the middle Qi and nourishing the blood to tranquilize, is based on its gastrointestinal protective, cardiovascular, neuroprotective, sedative-hypnotic and anxiolytic properties. Its detoxification effects are attributed to its anti-inflammatory, antiviral, anticancer and antibacterial activities. Moreover, the TCM characteristics of ZJF (sweet flavour; warm nature; and spleen, stomach, and heart meridian effects) support its traditional uses and pharmacological effects. We encourage more studies to further clarify the relationship between modern applications and traditional uses in the future. Furthermore, no one has studied ZJ blossoms, and researchers should allocate more time to the study of ZJ blossoms. Additionally, unsolved problems include the scientific principle of the Chinese material medica processing [CMMP (中药炮制) in Chinese] of ZJF, the molecular mechanisms of the biological activity of ZJ and its other medicinal parts, the overall pharmacokinetics rather than single molecule pharmacokinetics, the efficacy and the toxicology. All of the unsolved problems noted above require further study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Duchesnea genus (Rosaceae) is widely distributed throughout the world, and it is comprised of Duchesnea indica (D. indica) and Duchesnea chrysantha (D. chrysantha) species excluding varieties. The whole plant of Duchesnea genus has been used as a folk medicine for almost 2000 years in Asia. Its phytochemicals mainly include phenolic acids and their derivatives, flavonoids, terpenoids, tannins, lignins, sterols, among others. Modern pharmacological studies have shown that the Duchesnea genus exhibits a wide range of pharmacological effects, such as anticancer, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antimicrobial activities, and so on. Nowadays, Duchesnea genus is mainly used in the treatment of various malignant tumors. However, its pharmacological activity research is mainly focused on plant extracts, while the pharmacological activities of its pure compounds, their mechanisms of action are seldom studied. Simultaneously, there is limited research on the synergistic effects of multiple effective parts, multiple components, and multiple targets. Additionally, there are few proprietary drugs mainly based on the Duchesnea genus, and their toxicity remains ambiguous. This review provides an overview of the phytochemical and pharmacological investigations of Duchesnea genus, and the applications of multi-target affinity ultrafiltration are prospected, aiming at providing further comprehensive information about the active compounds from Duchesnea genus for drug discovery and development. Synoptically, it is imperative and significant to clarify their toxicity, develop clinical preparations based on Duchesnea genus plants as a single drug or active ingredient, and strengthen the research on the synergistic effects of their multiple components, multiple targets, and multiple effective parts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The numerous uses of the grapevine fruit, especially for wine and beverages, have made it one of the most important plants worldwide. The phytochemistry of grapevine is rich in a wide range of compounds. Many of them are renowned for their numerous medicinal uses. The production of grapevine metabolites is highly conditioned by many factors like environment or pathogen attack. Some grapevine phytoalexins have gained a great deal of attention due to their antimicrobial activities, being also involved in the induction of resistance in grapevine against those pathogens. Meanwhile grapevine biotechnology is still evolving, thanks to the technological advance of modern science, and biotechnologists are making huge efforts to produce grapevine cultivars of desired characteristics. In this paper, important metabolites from grapevine and grape derived products like wine will be reviewed with their health promoting effects and their role against certain stress factors in grapevine physiology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bassia All. is a genus from the Amaranthaceae family, which was created by merging selected species belonging to the former Bassia and Kochia genera with those classified to Chenolea, Londesia, Kirilowia and Panderia. The reorganised Bassia genus currently comprises around 20 species, which are annual herbs or perennial subshrubs native to Eurasia and Africa. Bassia plants are well known for their therapeutic applications in folk medicine and traditional medical systems, and they are also used for nonmedical purposes. Some members of this genus, such as Bassia scoparia (syn. Kochia scoparia) is of great medical importance and economic value. The plant is cultivated in some regions of Asia as a crop to collect Kochiae fructus, which is used for both curative and food purposes. Phytochemical studies carried out on Bassia species indicate that these plants synthesize metabolites belonging to different groups of compounds (e.g., triterpene saponins, sterols, flavonoids, fatty acids, lignanamides, alkaloids, organic acids). Some of the structures are rarely found in the plant kingdom. Biological activity studies carried out on Bassia plants revealed various effects exerted by extracts and isolated compounds, including anti-inflammatory, cytotoxic, antioxidant, antimicrobial, hypoglycemic, anti-obesity, etc. Modern research explained some of the mechanisms of action. This review covers literature from 1935 to 2022, and assembles and discusses data on phytochemistry, biological activity, as well as medical and nonmedical use of the representatives of the genus Bassia. In this review we present the current state of knowledge about the plants of the genus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Trianthema portulacastrum L. (Aizoaceae) commonly called as black pigweed or giant pigweed, which is a yearly herb, utilized as purgative, pain relieving, stomachic and provide as alternative heal for lung disease, cardiovascular disease, anemia and edema. In the Ayurvedic system of medicine, the plant is used in the treatment of inflammation in the peripheral organs, uteralgia and cough. Taking into account exploratory study, the present review aims to provide up-to date data about the routine uses, phytochemistry, and pharmacological actions of T. portulacastrum to explore their therapeutic value for future clinical settings. All data of T. portulacastrum were collected from library database and electronic search (ScienceDirect, Pubmed, and GoogleScholar). The different pharmacological information was gathered and orchestrated in a suitable spot on the paper. The genus Trianthema comprises of 64 species. Among them, the species of T. portulacastrum has been easily known for their customary uses. Phytochemical studies showed that T. portulacastrum included trianthamine, ecdysterone, flavonoid (5,2 dihydroxy-7methoxy-6,8 dimethyl flavone), leptorumol (5,7 dihydroxy-6,8 dimethyl chromone), and other intermediary bioactive compounds such as β-sitosterol, stigmasterol, and their β-glucopyranosides, β-cyanin, 3,4-dimethoxy cinnamic acid, 5-hydroxy-2-methoxy benzaldehyde, 3-acetyl aleuritolic acid, pmethoxy benzoic acid, and p-propoxy benzoic acid. The plant extracts showed significant antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, antihyperglycemic, antimicrobial, and anticancer activities. The toxicity study conducted in animals and no noteworthy mortality found till 4 g/kg b.w. Taking into account on animal studies, T. portulacastrum have different bioactivities including antihyperglycemic, hepatoprotective, anticancer, antimicrobial and modulate different cellular signals related to control of oxidative stress and inflammation. The phytoconstituents of T. portulacastrum have a various potential to exact pharmacological benefits and possible chemotherapeutic mediator. Nevertheless, more support for such properties/dynamic constituents have been obtained from cellular and molecular studies, while clinical studies are as yet deficient. Since animal research do not constantly interpret to human conditions, additional clinical studies are also warranted to infer the full interpretation impact of T. portulacastrum for prevention of human diseases. Hence, future comprehensive clinical studies are required to warrant the therapeutic usefulness of the T. portulacastrum. Graphical Abstract: [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Genus Cistus L. (Cistaceae) occurs mainly in the Mediterranean region. Many plants of this genus have been used in different folk medicines since ancient times, mainly against peptic ailments and skin disorders, such as burns, wounds, and infections. Over the last years, Cistus species have attracted great interest due to the variety of their bioactive compounds and pharmacological activities. Comprehensive research of previously published literature was performed for the collection of the available data on the traditional uses, phytochemistry, and pharmacological properties of the genus Cistus since 2014, using electronic databases with several key search words. A total of 66 published scientific studies was examined. Over the last years, 111 secondary metabolites have been described in Cistus taxa. In vitro and in vivo studies, as well as a clinical study are included, highlighting the interesting pharmacological aspects of these plants. This review summarizes and discusses the current knowledge of the traditional uses, phytochemistry, and biological activities of Cistus plants, revealing the uncharted scientific territory and may provide critical information for future perspectives on these plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tsaoko Fructus, the dried ripe fruit of Amomum tsao-ko Crevost & Lemarié, is used as both medicinal material and food additive. This review summarized the traditional uses, botany, phytochemistry, and pharmacological progress on Tsaoko Fructus. One classical prescription and the other 11 representative prescriptions containing Tsaoko Fructus were reviewed. The indications of these prescriptions are major in treating spleen and stomach disorders and epidemic febrile diseases including malaria. At least 209 compounds have been isolated and identified from Tsaoko Fructus, most of which belong to terpenoids, phenylpropanoids, and organic acids. Essential oil, crude extract, and some compounds were observed to have pharmacological activities such as anti-biotics, anti-inflammation, antioxidant, mostly via in vitro experiments. However, the mechanism of its medicinal uses remains unclear. This review provides a comprehensive understanding of Tsaoko Fructus, which will be beneficial to exploring the mechanism and potential medicinal applications of Tsaoko Fructus, as well as developing a rational quality control system for Tsaoko Fructus as a medicinal material in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genus Psydrax is one of the ethno-medicinally important genera of the Rubiaceae family which has only received a limited scientific attention, despite coming from a pharmacologically and phytochemically important plant family. The genus has found applications in ethnomedical management of diabetes, stomach disorders, inflammations, cardiovascular diseases, epilepsy, wounds, malaria and fever. To unveil knowledge gaps, stimulate research interest and unravel opportunities for drug discovery from the genus Psydrax, we have carried out an extensive review on its traditional applications, phytochemistry and pharmacology for the first time. Literature on these topics was obtained from Google Scholar, Pubmed and ScienceDirect journal articles published from 1788 to September, 2021. Only articles written in English were reviewed. While several species of Pysdrax used in traditional medicine have not been chemically explored for drug discovery, over a hundred secondary metabolites have so far been identified in few species of the genus, and majority of these chemotaxonomic markers are iridoids. Bioactive extracts and some isolated constituents of Psydrax species have shown various in vitro and in vivo pharmacological properties including anti-hyperglycemia, anti-inflammatory, anticonvulsant and antimicrobial, and thus, support some of the ethnomedical uses of the plants. For an evidence-informed application of the genus, Psydrax, in traditional medicine, more ethnobotanical surveys, elaborate in vivo pharmacological assays, in-depth toxicity and holistic phytochemical studies are required to fully exploit more species of the genus prior to future clinical studies. Following documented traditional uses of Psydrax species, the deliberate cultivation of medicinal plants under this genus is recommended for sustainability in medicinal plant utilization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Genus Populus (Salicaceae family) consists of dioecious, deciduous, and commercially important forest tree species which are widely spread over the Northern Hemisphere. Traditionally, Populus species are used in the treatment of rheumatism, arthritis, lower back pains, urinary complaints, digestive, liver disorders, debility, anorexia, fevers, and also relieve the pain of menstrual cramps. This review compiles or discusses the general morphology, ethno-medicinal uses and phytochemistry of Populus species along with their pharmacological activities (anti-microbial, anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, anti-obesity, anti-diarrhea, and anti-oxidants) covering the period of 1990–2020. The literature shows that the genus Populus is a rich source of phytocompounds especially phenolic compounds, flavonoids, and terpenoids, etc. A total of one hundred and fifty-nine constituents were isolated from different plant parts like leaves, bark, buds, and roots of Populus species. Only some of the phytocompounds were screened for their biological activities and the rest of them are unexplored. Through this review, the authors hope to attract the attention of natural product researchers throughout the world to focus on the unexplored species of Populus and their unique phytocompounds. This review underlines the potential of phytocompounds from Populus species that could lead to a new pathway in Pharma industries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nepeta tenuifolia (N. tenuifolia) is a common aromatic herb that is widespread in East Asia. The aerial parts and spikes can be used as the traditional phytomedicines for the treatment of cold, fever, respiratory diseases, and skin diseases in the clinic and as a vegetable in salads or cooked foods. These applications have lasted for thousands of years due to their outstanding performance. In this review, with the help of PubMed, Web of Science, Google Scholar, Baidu Scholar, and CNKI, we have summarized the research achievements made in recent years on the various aspects of N. tenuifolia, covering botany, traditional uses, processing, phytochemistry, pharmacology, and pharmaceutics. A total of 102 phytochemicals have been found and identified in N. tenuifolia, which were grouped into terpenoids, flavonoids, organic acids and other components, including many bioactive compounds such as pulegone, hesperidin, and rosmarinic acid. This plant has also exhibited antiviral, immunoregulatory, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and miscellaneous bioactivities, including antitumour, antidiabetic, antibacterial, and antithrombus activities. The progress to date has provided basic and strong evidence to support the traditional uses of this herbal medicine. However, the present explanations seem insufficient and unsatisfactory, in term of the relationships between the traditional uses and the modern pharmacological actions, the action mechanisms and the material basis. Therefore, in the future, some comprehensive studies should be well designed for further understanding the development and utilization of N. tenuifolia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genus Dorema (Apiaceae) comprises 12 accepted species, mainly growing in Asia and, particularly, in Iran, where D. ammoniacum and D. aucheri are the most used species in cuisine and folk medicine. The Dorema species are traditionally applied in the treatment of catarrh, asthma, chronic bronchitis, as carminative, mild diuretic and anthelmintic agents. In general, 42 non-volatile secondary metabolites were isolated from the 6 studied species, namely D. aitchisonii, D. ammoniacum, D. aucheri, D. glabrum, D. hyrcanum, and D. kopetdaghense. Among them, phenolic acid, flavonoid, acetophenone, coumarin, and sesquiterpene derivatives were identified as the predominant phytoconstituents. The leaves are characterized by the highest volatile content, and the sesquiterpenes in both hydrocarbon and oxygenated forms were reported as the most abundant compounds. Most of the studied pharmacological activities were assessed in vivo. Nevertheless, in vitro antiradical and antimicrobial potentials were the main investigated activities. Overall, the evaluation of bioactivities confirmed the ethnopharmacological use of the Dorema species, particularly their anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and hypolipidemic properties. This study comprehensively overviewed, for the first time, the literature relating to the folk medicinal use and to the available phytochemical and pharmacological data. Considering the genus application and the rare clinical trials, the study of the efficacy and safety of the uninvestigated Dorema species might be an interesting and promising approach for further researches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sorbus L. sensu lato (Rosaceae family) comprises over 250 trees and shrubs growing in the Northern Hemisphere. Several Sorbus species have found their way into traditonal materia medica, as different leaf, bark or fruit preparations have a long-standing folk use. Ethnomedicine recommends their use not only in respiratory and gastrointestinal system disorders, but also in rheumatism, cancer or diabetes. Chemical composition of the genus Sorbus has been studied since 1960s and until now more than 250 compounds have been identified from thirty-eight species. The most thoroughly investigated substances are phenolic compounds (flavonoids and phenolic acids). Other constituents include triterpenes, sterols, carboxylic acids, coumarins and cyanogenic glycosides. Biological activity studies performed on the representatives of the genus Sorbus have been predominantly conducted on extracts prepared with the use of different solvents, and more rarely on isolated constituents. The majority of these studies were devoted to determination of antioxidant potential of Sorbus extracts. In a few cases targeted studies were conducted to confirm specific folk usage. Two of the fairly well documented medicinal uses are the antidiabetic activity of Sorbus decora and anti-inflammatory activity of Sorbus commixta. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The parasitic plants from the genus Cuscuta have been studied from different perspectives, such as their phytochemistry, pharmacology, taxonomy, as weeds, and as a model plant for plant-plant interactions. This review attempts to discuss the host plants' influence on the phytochemistry and pharmacology of parasitic plants like Cuscuta from the evidence that has been published until recent years in specialized literature and which has not been addressed in detail. Also, the relationship between haustorium development from the parasitic plant and its attachment to the host plant vascular system is discussed and related to the phytochemical and pharmacological information available. In addition, the genus Cuscuta's main applications description in patents is also explored. Finally, some important recommendations are suggested for further studies in Cuscuta or any other parasitic plant. This state-of-the art about the genus Cuscuta can be a valuable source of organized information for those researchers developing projects in a great variety of aspects related to this genus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Genus Erythrophleum belongs to family Fabaceae, which is commonly found in Asia, Africa, and Australia. Erythrophleum species have been employed as digitalis-related drugs because of its various effects on the heart. Medicinal plants from this genus also bring positive results when employed as agents to invigorate and promote blood circulation, and as emetic drug, anesthetic, anthelmintic, anti-malaria, analgesic, disinfectant, dermatitis, convulsion, inflammation, cardiac problems, venom intoxication, headaches, oedemas, gangrenous wound, and rheumatism. This account is an overview of almost isolated compounds from this genus, along with their biological evaluations. The literature databases for this current manuscript were obtained from literature published from the 1960s to now, utilizing data from ACS journals, Taylor Francis, Springer, IOP Science, SCI-finder, Chemical Abstracts, the Web of Science, Scopus, Science Direct, Pub Med, and Google Scholar. In addition, books about herbal medicines and Ph.D. dissertations were used in relating to taxonomy and chemical components. Genus Erythrophleum contains the various classes of compounds, consisting of alkaloids, terpenoids, phytosterols, saponins, flavonoids, and their derivative glycosides. Many in vitro and in vivo pharmacological results, such as cytotoxicity, anti-oxidant, anti-bacterial, anti-convulsant, anti-inflammation, anti-cancer, anti-angiogenesis, sedative activity, cardiac activity, and toxicity indicated that the extracts, fractions, and isolated compounds of Erythrophleum species can become valuable resources for developing natural new drugs. Particularly, E. fordii species, with the high content of alkaloids, showed potential use for toxicological drugs. No account has been conducted for a general view about this genus. Further researches on isolating bioactive compounds and determining basic mechanisms are necessary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This review describes in detail the phytochemistry and neurological effects of the medicinal herb Centella asiatica (L.) Urban. C. asiatica is a small perennial plant that grows in moist, tropical and sub-tropical regions throughout the world. Phytochemicals identified from C. asiatica to date include isoprenoids (sesquiterpenes, plant sterols, pentacyclic triterpenoids and saponins) and phenylpropanoid derivatives (eugenol derivatives, caffeoylquinic acids, and flavonoids). Contemporary methods for fingerprinting and characterization of compounds in C. asiatica extracts include liquid chromatography and/or ion mobility spectrometry in conjunction with high-resolution mass spectrometry. Multiple studies in rodent models, and a limited number of human studies, support C. asiatica’s traditional reputation as a cognitive enhancer, as well as its anxiolytic and anticonvulsant effects. Neuroprotective effects of C. asiatica are seen in several in vitro models, for example against beta amyloid toxicity, and appear to be associated with increased mitochondrial activity, improved antioxidant status, and/or inhibition of the pro-inflammatory enzyme, phospholipase A2. Neurotropic effects of C. asiatica include increased dendritic arborization and synaptogenesis, and may be due to modulations of signal transduction pathways such as ERK1/2 and Akt. Many of these neurotropic and neuroprotective properties of C. asiatica have been associated with the triterpene compounds asiatic acid, asiaticoside and madecassoside. More recently, caffeoylquinic acids are emerging as a second important group of active compounds in C. asiatica, with the potential of enhancing the Nrf2-antioxidant response pathway. The absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion of the triterpenes, caffeoylquinic acids and flavonoids found in C. asiatica have been studied in humans and animal models, and the compounds or their metabolites found in the brain. This review highlights the remarkable potential for C. asiatica extracts and derivatives to be used in the treatment of neurological conditions, and considers the further research needed to actualize this possibility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pedalium murex (Pedaliaceae), commonly called Large Caltrops, is known for its pharmacological uses in traditional medicine system. It is reported to have excellent medicinal properties that helps cure reproductive disorders, mainly impotency in men, nocturnal emissions, gonorrhea as well as leucorrhoea in women. Apart from that, it also contains remedy for urinary and gastrointestinal tract disorders. Pharmacologically, the plant has been investigated for antiulcerogenic, nephroprotective, hypolipidemic, aphrodisiac, anti-inflammatory, antidermatophytic, antioxidant, antimicrobial and insecticidal activities. The present review is a bundle of information collected from the published research articles and highlights the phytochemical and pharmacological aspects of P. murex. The information will be helpful in developing the new formulation with therapeutic and economical value in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prosopis juliflora (SW) D.C. 'algaroba' is an abundant invasive tree species native to South America, Central America and the Caribbean, present in arid and semi-arid zones. In Brazil, this species is widespread in the Caatinga biome, a xeric region that is going through a process of desertification. Algaroba was introduced to this region in order to promote reforestation and provide animal feed. However, this specie has adapted too well and has affected a botanical alteration of the endemic and native Caatinga specie. This has become a problem since algaroba could inhibit the growth and development of some endangered species. Therefore, it is important know the potential of algaroba and promote new uses aiming for a conscious exploitation of the use of this specie in several fields. This review aims to provide an up-to-date overview of botanical information, chemical compounds, traditional uses, pharmacological activities, as well as technological, biotechnological and toxicological aspects which could be helpful for future research in the development of new bioactive natural products. This review could help provide insights for new research aimed at both the rational exploration of bioactive metabolites and their application in new products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Furanoditerpenoids are a special group of diterpenoids composing of one or more furan rings, which are rarely found in nature. This review aims to survey the various naturally occurring furanoditerpenoids and their pharmacological activities. A fairly large number of furanoditerpenoids have been reported from the families Euphorbiaceae, Fabaceae and Lamiaceae, and a few ones from the families Asteraceae, Codoniaceae, Dioscoreaceae, Fossombroniaceae, Jamesoniellaceae, Meliaceae, Menispermaceae, Olacaceae, Psathyrellaceae, Sapindaceae and Scapaniaceae. Their distribution correlates strongly with the taxonomic divisions. Most of these plants are widely used in traditional medicines, and furanoditerpenoids have therefore been disclosed with a wide range of bioactivities including anti-cancer, anti-inflammation and anti-microorganism. To structure this review, the furanoditerpenoids were classified into seven types, including clerodane-type (Type I), labdane-type (Type II), cassane-type (Type III), abietane-type (Type IV), spongian-type (Type V), prenylbisabolane-type (Type VI) and miscellaneous type (Type VII). On the basis of 170 references, this review covers the distribution, phytochemistry, synthesis and pharmacological activities of furanoditerpenoids, describing 444 compounds. The information provided in this review might shed light on further research and development of furanoditerpenoids as potential therapeutic agents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]