Cinnamomum is a genus of the family Lauraceae, which has been recognized worldwide as an important genus due to its beneficial uses. A great deal of research on its phytochemistry and pharmacological effects has been conducted. It is noteworthy that terpenoids are the characteristic of Cinnamomum due to the peculiar structures and significant biological effects. For a more in-depth study and the better use of Cinnamomum plants in the future, the chemical structures and biological effects of terpenoids obtained from Cinnamomum were summarized in the present study. To date, a total of 181 terpenoids with various skeletons have been isolated from Cinnamomum. These compounds have been demonstrated to play an important role in immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anticancer activities. However, studies on the bioactive components from Cinnamomum plants have only focused on a dozen species. Hence, further studies on the potential pharmacological effects need to be conducted in the future.

Pleione (Orchidaceae) is not only famous for the ornamental value in Europe because of its special color, but also endemic in Southern Asia for its use in traditional medicine. A great deal of research about its secondary metabolites and biological activities has been done on only three of 30 species of Pleione. Up to now, 183 chemical compounds, such as phenanthrenes, bibenzyls, glucosyloxybenzyl succinate derivatives, flavonoids, lignans, terpenoids, etc., have been obtained from Pleione. These compounds have been demonstrated to play a significant role in anti-tumor, anti-neurodegenerative and anti-inflammatory biological activities and improve immunity. In order to further develop the drugs and utilize the plants, the chemical structural analysis and biological activities of Pleione are summarized in this review.

A efficient 2-step protocol has been applied for the synthesis of Lansiumamide B (N-methyl-N-cis-styryl-cinnamamide, 2) derivatives by various substitution on the amide nitrogen with alkyl, allyl, propargyl, benzyl or ester groups. The structures of nine new compounds were characterized by HRMS, ¹H NMR, and ¹³C NMR spectra. These compounds were tested in vitro against 10 strains of phytopathogenic fungi and showed a wide antifungal spectrum. The relationship between different substituents on the amide nitrogen and antifungal activity of Lansiumamide B derivatives were compared and analyzed. The result indicates that the length and steric hindrance of N-substitution have a significant impact on biological activities. It is noteworthy that the methyl or ethyl substituent on the amide nitrogen is critical for the antifungal activities.

Phytochemical studies led to the isolation of a new phenylpropanoid glucoside, named purpuroside (1), along with eight known compounds (2–9) from the bark of Bauhinia purpurea. The structure of the new compound was elucidated on the basis of its spectroscopic data. The absolute configuration of compound 2 was verified by X-ray diffraction analysis. Compounds 1, 2, 7, 8, and 9 inhibited NO production in mouse peritoneal macrophages with IC₅₀ values from 35.5 to 63.0 μM.

Two new alkaloids, named hositisines A (1) and B (2), with two known alkaloids (3 and 4) were isolated from the stems of Ormosia hosiei Hemsl. et Wils. Their structures were confirmed by UV, HRESIMS, NMR spectra. The absolute configurations of 1 and 2 were determined by quantum ECD calculation and ECD, respectively. Compounds 1–3 could significantly reduce the LDH release at the concentration 50 μM, which showed they could strongly protect the PC12 cells exposed to oxygen and glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R) injury.