Integrative Biology Journals

Natural Products and Bioprospecting ›› 2023, Vol. 13 ›› Issue (6): 53-53.DOI: 10.1007/s13659-023-00418-8

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A comprehensive review on the chemical constituents, sesquiterpenoid biosynthesis and biological activities of Sarcandra glabra

Jin-Ning Chu1, Premanand Krishnan2, Kuan-Hon Lim1   

  1. 1. School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham Malaysia, Jalan Broga, 43500, Semenyih, Selangor, Malaysia;
    2. Foundation in Science, University of Nottingham Malaysia, Jalan Broga, 43500, Semenyih, Selangor, Malaysia
  • Received:2023-10-23 Online:2023-12-26 Published:2023-12-24
  • Contact: Kuan-Hon Lim,E-mail:KuanHon.Lim@nottingham.edu.my
  • Supported by:
    We thank REM Corporation Sdn. Bhd. (Dr Donald Chen) for inspiration and financial support.

A comprehensive review on the chemical constituents, sesquiterpenoid biosynthesis and biological activities of Sarcandra glabra

Jin-Ning Chu1, Premanand Krishnan2, Kuan-Hon Lim1   

  1. 1. School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham Malaysia, Jalan Broga, 43500, Semenyih, Selangor, Malaysia;
    2. Foundation in Science, University of Nottingham Malaysia, Jalan Broga, 43500, Semenyih, Selangor, Malaysia
  • 通讯作者: Kuan-Hon Lim,E-mail:KuanHon.Lim@nottingham.edu.my
  • 基金资助:
    We thank REM Corporation Sdn. Bhd. (Dr Donald Chen) for inspiration and financial support.

Abstract: Sarcandra glabra (Thunb.) Nakai is a perennial evergreen herb categorised within the Sarcandra Gardner genus under the Chloranthaceae family. Indigenous to tropical and subtropical regions of East Asia and India, this species is extensively distributed across China, particularly in the southern regions (Sichuan, Yunnan, and Jiangxi). In addition to its high ornamental value, S. glabra has a rich history of use in traditional Chinese medicine, evident through its empirical prescriptions for various ailments like pneumonia, dysentery, fractures, bruises, numbness, amenorrhea, rheumatism, and other diseases. Besides, modern pharmacological studies have revealed various biological activities, such as antitumour, anti-bacterial, anti-viral anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects. The diverse chemical constituents of S. glabra have fascinated natural product researchers since the 1900s. To date, over 400 compounds including terpenoids, coumarins, lignans, flavonoids, sterols, anthraquinones, organic acids, and organic esters have been isolated and characterised, some featuring unprecedented structures. This review comprehensively examines the current understanding of S. glabra’s phytochemistry and pharmacology, with emphasis on the chemistry and biosynthesis of its unique chemotaxonomic marker, the lindenane-type sesquiterpenoids.

Key words: Sarcandra glabra, CaoShanHu, Traditional Chinese medicine, Lindenane-type sesquiterpenoids, Biosynthetic pathway, Biological activities

摘要: Sarcandra glabra (Thunb.) Nakai is a perennial evergreen herb categorised within the Sarcandra Gardner genus under the Chloranthaceae family. Indigenous to tropical and subtropical regions of East Asia and India, this species is extensively distributed across China, particularly in the southern regions (Sichuan, Yunnan, and Jiangxi). In addition to its high ornamental value, S. glabra has a rich history of use in traditional Chinese medicine, evident through its empirical prescriptions for various ailments like pneumonia, dysentery, fractures, bruises, numbness, amenorrhea, rheumatism, and other diseases. Besides, modern pharmacological studies have revealed various biological activities, such as antitumour, anti-bacterial, anti-viral anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects. The diverse chemical constituents of S. glabra have fascinated natural product researchers since the 1900s. To date, over 400 compounds including terpenoids, coumarins, lignans, flavonoids, sterols, anthraquinones, organic acids, and organic esters have been isolated and characterised, some featuring unprecedented structures. This review comprehensively examines the current understanding of S. glabra’s phytochemistry and pharmacology, with emphasis on the chemistry and biosynthesis of its unique chemotaxonomic marker, the lindenane-type sesquiterpenoids.

关键词: Sarcandra glabra, CaoShanHu, Traditional Chinese medicine, Lindenane-type sesquiterpenoids, Biosynthetic pathway, Biological activities