Covering: 2005 to 2008 Lignans are a class of secondary metabolites derived from the oxidative dimerization of two phenylpropanoid units. This review covers the source, chemistry and bioactivities of natural lignans, and highlights the total syntheses of some lignans and asymmetric syntheses of their motifs.

Covering: 1913 to February 2008 The mangrove flora is a diverse group of salt-tolerant plants growing in tropical and subtropical intertidal estuarine zones.This review summarizes the source, chemistry and bioactivities of natural products from true mangrove species worldwide. It includes 349 metabolites and 150 references. The molecular phylogeny and chemotaxonomy of true mangrove plants is discussed.

Covering: 1955 to 2007 This review covers the source, chemistry and bioactivities of natural products from semi-mangrove species worldwide. The chemotaxonomy of semi-mangrove plants and total synthesis of heritol analogues, which are potential biocompatible pesticides, are discussed.