Sesquiterpenes and Sesquiterpene Derivatives from <i>Ferula</i>: Their Chemical Structures, Biosynthetic Pathways, and Biological Properties
Junchi Wang,
Qi Zheng,
Huaxiang Wang,
Leiling Shi,
Guoping Wang,
Yaqin Zhao,
Congzhao Fan,
Jianyong Si
Affiliations
Junchi Wang
The Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Resources Utilization of Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100193, China
Qi Zheng
The Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Resources Utilization of Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100193, China
Huaxiang Wang
The Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Resources Utilization of Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100193, China
Leiling Shi
Xinjiang Institute of Chinese Materia Medica and Ethnodrug, Urumqi 830002, China
Guoping Wang
Xinjiang Institute of Chinese Materia Medica and Ethnodrug, Urumqi 830002, China
Yaqin Zhao
Xinjiang Institute of Chinese Materia Medica and Ethnodrug, Urumqi 830002, China
Congzhao Fan
Xinjiang Institute of Chinese Materia Medica and Ethnodrug, Urumqi 830002, China
Jianyong Si
The Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Resources Utilization of Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100193, China
Ferula is a genus of flowering plants known for its edible and medicinal properties. Since ancient times, many species of Ferula 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 Ferula, 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 Ferula, which may help guide future research directions and possible application methods for this valuable edible and medicinal plant.
