Sesquiterpenes and Sesquiterpene Derivatives from <i>Ferula</i>: Their Chemical Structures, Biosynthetic Pathways, and Biological Properties

<i>Ferula</i> is a genus of flowering plants known for its edible and medicinal properties. Since ancient times, many species of <i>Ferula</i> have been used in traditional medicine to treat various health issues across countries, such as digestive disorders, respiratory prob...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Junchi Wang, Qi Zheng, Huaxiang Wang, Leiling Shi, Guoping Wang, Yaqin Zhao, Congzhao Fan, Jianyong Si
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2023-12-01
Series:Antioxidants
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3921/13/1/7
Description
Summary:<i>Ferula</i> is a genus of flowering plants known for its edible and medicinal properties. Since ancient times, many species of <i>Ferula</i> have been used in traditional medicine to treat various health issues across countries, such as digestive disorders, respiratory problems, and even as a remedy for headaches and toothaches. In addition, they are also used as a flavoring agent in various cuisines. As the main active ingredients in <i>Ferula</i>, sesquiterpenes and their derivatives, especially sesquiterpene coumarins, sesquiterpene phenylpropanoids, and sesquiterpene chromones, have attracted the attention of scientists due to the diversity of their chemical structures, as well as their extensive and promising biological properties, such as antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial properties. However, there has not been a comprehensive review of sesquiterpenes and their derivatives from this plant. This review aims to provide an overview of the chemical structures, biosynthetic pathways, and biological properties of sesquiterpenes and sesquiterpene derivatives from <i>Ferula</i>, which may help guide future research directions and possible application methods for this valuable edible and medicinal plant.
ISSN:2076-3921