Chemical and Biological Research on Herbal Medicines Rich in Xanthones

Abstract

Xanthones, as some of the most active components and widely distributed in various herb medicines, have drawn more and more attention in recent years. So far, 168 species of herbal plants belong to 58 genera, 24 families have been reported to contain xanthones. Among them, Calophyllum, Cratoxylum, Cudrania, Garcinia, Gentiana, Hypericum and Swertia genera are plant resources with great development prospect. This paper summarizes the plant resources, bioactivity and the structure-activity relationships (SARs) of xanthones from references published over the last few decades, which may be useful for new drug research and development on xanthones.

Structure Elucidation of the Main Tetrahydroxyxanthones of Hypericum Seeds and Investigations into the Testa Structure

“…Xanthone (9 H ‐xanthen‐9‐one) is a base structure belonging to a group of O ‐heterocyclic natural constituents, mainly found in plants. Some complex xanthones were also detected as aromatic polyketide antibiotics produced by bacteria ( e.g ., cervinomycin and lysolipin I). Moreover, xanthone structures have recently been identified as lichen or fungal metabolites.…”

“… Moreover, xanthone structures have recently been identified as lichen or fungal metabolites. In the plant kingdom, 24 families have been reported so far to contain xanthones, while extensive studies on xanthone chemistry were made, e.g ., in the Clusiaceae , Gentianaceae , Guttiferae and Hypericaceae families, etc . Because of interesting biological and pharmacological features, such as antioxidant, antimicrobial, antiviral, cytotoxic, anticancer, anti‐inflammatory, hepatoprotective and MAO inhibitor activities, etc ., this compound class is attracting growing attention.…”

Development and Validation of a Stability-Indicating HPLC Method for the Quantification of α-Mangostin in Dietary Supplements

“…For centuries, the pericarp of this fruit has been marketed for its health benefits as a functional food and in dietary supplements. 1,2 Prenylated and oxygenated xanthone derivatives are the main secondary metabolites identified and isolated in the species. [1][2][3] The most abundant are α-mangostin (1) and γ-mangostin (2).…”

“…1,2 Prenylated and oxygenated xanthone derivatives are the main secondary metabolites identified and isolated in the species. [1][2][3] The most abundant are α-mangostin (1) and γ-mangostin (2). 3 α-Mangostin (1) exhibits immunomodulatory, antifibrotic, antioxidant, antitumor, anti-inflammatory, antiallergic, antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, and antimalarial activities.…”

“…The results indicate that the extract is stable at long-term or accelerated study conditions. According to the global results, a simple and reliable HPLC analytical method was developed and fully validated for quantifying α-mangostin (1). Forced degradation studies provided knowledge about potential degradation products that may form under storage conditions.…”