Alisma genus: Phytochemical constituents, biosynthesis, and biological activities

The genus Alisma contains 11 species distributed worldwide, of which at least two species (A. orientale [Sam.] Juzep. and A. plantago-aquatica Linn.) have been used as common herbal medicines. Secondary metabolites obtained from the genus Alisma are considered to be the material basis for the various biological functions and medicinal applications. In this review, we mainly focused on the recent investigations of secondary metabolites from plants of the genus Alisma and their biological activities, with the highlighting on the diversity of the chemical structures, the biosynthesis of interesting secondary metabolites, the biological activities, and the relationships between structures and bioactivities.

Automated summary

The genus Alisma consists of 11 species globally, with at least two (A. orientale and A. plantago-aquatica) commonly used as herbal medicines. Secondary metabolites from Alisma plants serve as the material foundation for their various biological functions and medicinal applications. This review focuses on recent research on these secondary metabolites, highlighting their diverse chemical structures, biosynthesis, biological activities, and structure-activity relationships.