Chromone glycosides comprise an important group of secondary metabolites. They are widely distributed in plants and, to a lesser extent, in fungi and bacteria. Significant biological activities, including antiviral, anti-inflammatory, antitumor, antimicrobial, etc., have been discovered for chromone glycosides, suggesting their potential as drug leads. This review compiles 192 naturally occurring chromone glycosides along with their sources, classification, biological activities, and spectroscopic features. Detailed biosynthetic pathways and chemotaxonomic studies are also described. Extensive spectroscopic features for this class of compounds have been thoroughly discussed, and detailed ¹³C-NMR data of compounds 1–192, have been added, except for those that have no reported ¹³C-NMR data.

Sesquiterpene lactones (SLs) are a structurally diverse group of secondary metabolites primarily produced by plants, particularly within the Asteraceae family.

Chromatographic fractionation and chemical investigation of the methanolic extract of the fronds and rhizomes of Adiantum capillus-veneris L. (Pteridaceae), resulted in the isolation and identification of four compounds. The structures of the isolated compounds were elucidated using ESI-MS, 1D and 2D (COSY, HSQC and HMBC) NMR experiments, as well as by comparison with literature data. The isolated compounds were identified as; pinoresinol 4-O-β-d-glucopyranoside (1), pterosterone (2), kampferol-3-O-β-d-glucuronide (3), and quercetin-3-O-β-d-glucoside (4). Compounds 1 and 2 are reported here to be isolated for the first time from family Pteridaceae, however compounds 3 and 4 were isolated previously from the plant. Total methanolic extract as well as n-hexane, ethyl acetate (EtOAc) and n-butanol (n-BuOH) fractions of A. capillus-veneris L. fern were evaluated for their antidiabetic and anti-yeast activity. The four isolated compounds were also evaluated for their anti-yeast activity. The ethyl acetate fraction showed the highest antidiabetic activity. Its inhibitory activity against both α-glucosidase and α-amylase enzymes was with IC50 values of 52.8 µg/ml and 62.4 µg/ml, respectively. The n-hexane fraction showed the highest anti-yeast activity.

Saraca cauliflora Baker, a member of the ethnomedicinally significant genus Saraca, has been traditionally employed for therapeutic purposes. Despite this, its phytochemical profile remains largely unexplored, warranting further investigation to unveil its bioactive constituents. This study aimed to explore and characterize the phytochemical profile of the methanolic leaf extract of S. cauliflora Baker, and to evaluate its biological activities in vitro. Ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with triple time-of-flight high-resolution tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-T-TOF-HRMS/MS) was utilized for the tentative identification of S. cauliflora phytoconstituents. The hepatoprotective potential of the extract was then evaluated by measuring its capability to attenuate CCl4 induced cytotoxicity in human liver cells. Furthermore, the antitumor potential of the methanolic leaf extract of S. cauliflora against human liver cancer cells was tested using standard cell viability assays, and anti inflammatory potential was evaluated through the cyclooxygenase inhibition method. Phytochemical analysis led to the characterization of 50 metabolites. Among these metabolites, flavonoids and phenolic acids were the most prevalent. In vitro evaluation of the extract demonstrated pronounced antitumor activity and provided protective effects against CCL4-mediated cytotoxic effects, highlighting its promising therapeutic potential. Although the genus Saraca is known for its anti-inflammatory properties, in vitro cyclooxygenase inhibition assays of S. cauliflora showed only weak, non-selective activity. Therefore, further studies are warranted to explore alternative mechanisms.

Two new kaempferol tetraglycosides were isolated from Albizia guachapele ; mauritianin inhibits topo II, suppresses MCF-7 proliferation, and induces G2/M arrest and apoptosis.