Abstract
Xanthones are one of the biggest classes of compounds in natural product chemistry. A number of xanthones have been isolated from natural sources of higher plants, fungi, ferns, and lichens. They have gradually risen to great importance because of their medicinal properties. This review focuses on the types, isolation, characterization, biological applications, and biosynthesis of naturally occurring xanthones isolated so far. Different physicochemical and instrumental methods such as liquid-solid and liquid-liquid extraction, TLC, flash chromatography, column chromatography, IR, 1H NMR and 13C NMR spectroscopy, GLC, HPLC, GC, and LCMS have been widely used for isolation and structural elucidation of xanthones. Hepatoprotective, anticarcinogenic, antileprosy, antimalarial, antioxidant, anticholinergic, mutagenicity, radioprotective, immunomodulatory, antibone resorption, antiparasitic, neuraminidase inhibitory, anticomplement, antibacterial, antifungal, algicidal, anti-HIV, cardioprotective, antitumoral, antidiabetes, antihyperlipidemic, antiatherogenic, anti-inflammatory, antiulcer, antidiabetic, hypolipidemic, analgesic, antiasthmatic, antihistaminic, antiamoebic, diuretic, antidiarrheal, larvicidal, and ovicidal activities have been reported for natural occurring xanthones. To a certain extent, this review provides necessary foundation for further research and development of new medicines.
Highlights
Xanthones are secondary metabolites commonly occurring in higher plant families, fungi, and lichen [1]
Xanthones are sometimes found as the parent polyhydroxylated compounds but most are mono- or polymethyl ethers or are found as glycosides [2]
Xanthones are apparently not present in all plant species investigated in the family Gentianaceae
Summary
Xanthones are secondary metabolites commonly occurring in higher plant families, fungi, and lichen [1]. Their pharmacological properties have raised great interest. Xanthones are apparently not present in all plant species investigated in the family Gentianaceae. This is documented by the systematic work of Hostettmann et al [3]. According to Vieira and Kijjoa [9], out of total 515 xanthones, 278 were reported from natural sources These xanthones have been isolated from 20 families of higher plants (122 species in 44 genera), fungi (19 species), and lichens (3 species). Securidaca, Symphonia, Schultesia, Swertia, Tripterospermum, Vismia, Veratrilla, and Xylaria
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