Phytoecdysteroids: Phytochemistry and pharmacological activity

Abstract

At this moment, more than 450 ecdysteroids are identified, most of them found in different plant species. They are biosynthesized via the mevalonic acid pathway as C-27, C-28, and C-29 steroid structures. The isolation of new phytoecdysteroids is a still ongoing process. Phytoecdysteroids can play a taxonomic role. They are thought to play a role as growth regulators, and they may protect plant species against phytophagous insects. They can be considered as possibly interesting structural templates for different therapeutic indications. However, up to now, no real therapeutic applications have been materialized. They are actually used for dermatological purposes in cosmetology, and putative anabolic activity is highly promoted via Internet, without too much evidence. The large variety of substances may hamper the making of synthetic derivatives that can be patented as original therapeutic entities.