Chemistry and Biology of the Genus Flourensia (Asteraceae)

• Published in: Chemistry & biodiversity 2015-11, Vol.12 (11), p.1595-1634
• Main Author: Rios, María Yolanda
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Animals; Anti-Infective Agents - chemistry; Anti-Infective Agents - isolation & purification; Anti-Infective Agents - pharmacology; Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic - chemistry; Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic - isolation & purification; Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic - pharmacology; Asteraceae - chemistry; Asteraceae - metabolism; Bacteria - drug effects; Benzofurans; Chromenes; Flavonoids; Flourensia; Fungi - drug effects; Humans; Neoplasms - drug therapy; Plant Structures - chemistry; Plant Structures - metabolism; Sesquiterpenes
• ISSN: 1612-1872; 1612-1880
• DOI: 10.1002/cbdv.201400220

Flourensia species are dominant plants that are adapted to semidesertic and desertic regions. It is believed that they are successful plants because they employ several protection mechanisms, including the formation of a waxy film on their aerial parts to protect them from dehydration. This waxy film contains chemical compounds that are capable of inhibiting the growth of other plants and of acting as allelopathic and herbicidal agents and as germination inhibitors. These plants also limit herbivory, and they exhibit insecticidal, insect antifeedant, antibacterial, antifungal, antialgal, and antitermite activities. Sesquiterpenes, flavonoids, benzofurans, chromenes, coumarins, lupan triterpenes, aliphatic lactones, and aromatic and acetilenic compounds have all been isolated from the organic extracts of Flourensia species. Monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes, and aliphatic hydrocarbons are the main constituents found in their essential oils. This review is an overview of the chemical constituents and of the biological activities of Flourensia species.