Chemical and biological review on various classes of secondary metabolites and biological activities of Arecaceae (2021-2006)

Abstract

Arecaceae is called palm trees. It is a flowering plant family including 181 genera and about 2600 species. The scientific researchers need to summarize phytochemical and biological studies on many genera of this family to help and orient them to carry out extensive studies on the uninvestigated plants. By reviewing the currently available literature (2021-2006), many classes of secondary metabolites of this family were determined, viz., flavonoids (59 compounds), phenolic acids and their derivatives (22 compounds), fatty derivatives (11 compounds), sterols (19 compounds) and other classes. Moreover, plants belonging to this family have been shown many biological activities such as anti-hyperlipidemic, anti-diabetic, anti-oxidant, anti-parasitic, anti-convulsant, renal protective, cardioprotective, cytotoxic, anti-microbial (antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral), anti-pyretic, anti-inflammatory, anti-mutagenic, hepatoprotective, antihypertensive, analgesic, anti-ulcer, neuropharmacological, anti-platelet, anti-acetylcholinesterase and anti-Alzheimer. Also, the most chemically investigated genus is Phoenix. While, Aiphanes aculeate, Syagrus romanzoffiana, Areca catechu, Hyophorbe indica, Brahea armata, Attalea funifera, Wodyetia bifurcate, and Dypsis leptocheilos need more phytochemical attention. Regarding the biological investigation, Cocos and Phoenix was the most investigated genera were the most investigated species.