A new pyrano coumarin, identified as excavatin A (1) together with two known compounds nordentatin (2) and binorpocitrin (3) was isolated from the 95% EtOH extract of Clausena excavata. All structures were elucidated by using spectroscopy methods such as extensive NMR and HR-FAB-MS spectrometry. All the isolated compounds were tested on antidiabetes activity by using α-glucosidase inhibition assay and the antioxidant activity by DPPH assay. Compounds 1-3 showed antioxidant activity with IC₅₀ values 0.286, 0.02, 0.278 mM. Among them, 2 exhibited inhibition activity against maltase (IC₅₀ 5.45 µM) and sucrase (IC₅₀ 43.57 µM). However, compounds (1) and (3) displayed inhibition on yeast α-glucosidase with IC₅₀ values 1.92 and 5.58 mM.

A novel onoceranoid triterpene xyloside named methyl lansioside C (1) together with two known glycosides (2 and 3) were isolated from polar fraction of the fruit peels of Lansium parasiticum. The structure and absolute configuration of the new compound were established using extensive spectroscopic techniques as well as Mosher’s method. The antioxidant activity and α-glucosidase inhibitory effect of the isolated compounds were evaluated. Compounds 1 and 3 displayed moderate radical scavenging activity with SC₅₀ values of 14.5 and 13.7 mM, respectively. However, all isolated compounds exhibited no inhibition against α-glucosidase.

In search for effective antidiabetic agents that simultaneously inhibit α-glucosidase and scavenge free radicals, Horsfieldia motleyi showed promising bioactivity according to the proposed criteria. Bioassay-guided isolation of pericarp extract yielded a new 4-arylflavan named myristinin G (6), whose gross structure and absolute configuration were verified by 2D NMR and electronic circular dichorism (ECD). Myristinin G (6) concomitantly inhibited α-glucosidases (IC50 107.0 and 126.9 μM) and free radicals (SC50 54.3 and 279.9 μM). Of interest, 6 inhibited sucrase through an uncompetitive manner, which is rare in nature.

The Eupatorium plant has been well used in medication and as a decorative plant. Some studies have reported that this herb has biochemical compounds, such as sesquiterpenes, phenolics, polysaccharides, and pyrrolizidine alkaloids. Thus, it has pharmacological effects, including antifungal, antibacterial, cytotoxic, and antinociceptive properties, that can be utilized for cosmetic purposes. However, only a few published works have summarized the active compounds and the application of Eupatorium plants as cosmetic agents. Therefore, this article aims to review the application of Eupatorium plants as a potential cosmetic agent. The active compounds of Eupatorium are contained in the whole plant, as well as the stems, leaves, roots, and aerial parts (flower, fruit, and seeds). In terms of cosmetic applications, the activities of Eupathorium are antioxidant, anti-tyrosinase, anti-melanin/melanogenesis, anti-acne, and anti-inflammatory. This review aims to contribute to a better understanding for expanding the utilization of this plant for cosmetic purposes by using these active compounds.