Chemical Composition and Distribution of the Genus Ajania (Review)

Abstract

The review article presents the results of the analysis of scientific literature on the geographical distribution and level of study of the chemical composition of known representatives of the genus Ajania Poljakov. Out of the 37 known species, only 8 representatives of this plant genus have been studied. The structures of the encountered biologically active compounds (BAC) are presented, including flavonoids, terpenoids, phytosterols, lignans, alkaloids, and other nitrogen-containing compounds, organic acids, hydrocarbons, aldehydes, and phenolic compounds. In quantitative terms, the class of phenolic compounds predominates, among which terpenoids and flavonoids are dominant, some of which can be considered as chemotaxonomic markers. Within the territory of the Republic of Kazakhstan, two species are found: Ajania fastigiata and Ajania fruticulosa, the latter of which has pharmacopoeial significance.