Clerodane Diterpenes from Croton Species: Distribution and a Compilation of their ¹³C NMR Spectral Data

Abstract

The present work is a review of the literature of clerodane diterpenes from Croton species. It contains a compilation of 13 C NMR data of 83 of these diterpenoids and their biological activities. This review covers a period from 1969 to October 2005 and 224 references are cited.

Chemical Constituents from Croton Species and Their Biological Activities

“…The genus Croton belongs to the Euphorbiaceae family, and contains approximately 1300 species of trees, shrubs, and herbs, which are widely distributed throughout tropical and subtropical regions of the world. Many Croton species have been used as folk medicines in Africa, south Asia, and south America, for the treatment of many diseases such as stomachache, abscesses, inflammation, and malaria [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]. The seeds of C. tiglium , which are well-known as “badou”, had been utilized as a traditional Chinese medicine to treat gastrointestinal disorders, intestinal inflammation, and rheumatism.…”

“…The roots of C. crassifolius , known as “jiguxiang” in China, are mainly used as a traditional medicine for the treatment of stomachache and sore throat [ 3 ]. The genus Croton is abundant in diverse diterpenoids, including clerodane, tigliane, kaurane, labdane, cembrane, and pimarane, with a wide range of biological activities, such as cytotoxic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-microbial [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 ]. Due to their great structural diversity and broad relevant bioactivities, Croton species have attracted increasing research attention.…”

“…Several authors have provided reviews about the chemical constituents and biological activities of Croton species. A review came out in 2006 regarding clerodane diterpenes isolated from Croton species, their 13 C-NMR spectroscopic data, and biological activities [ 2 ]. In 2007, a comprehensive review on the traditional uses, chemistry, and pharmacology of Croton species was published [ 1 ].…”

New Prenylated Dihydrostilbenes from Croton Laevifolius

“…As part of our investigation of the phytochemistry of Croton species growing in Malaysia [9], we have examined a flower extract of C. laevifolius Blume. and have isolated two prenylated dihydrostilbenes, which have been named laevifolins A (1) and B (2). This paper reports the isolation and structure determination of these prenylated dihydrostilbenes, the chemotaxonomic significance of which is briefly discussed.…”

“…The genus Croton (Euphorbiaceae) consists of about 700 species of trees, shrubs, and herbs, which are widely distributed in tropical and subtropical regions [1]. This genus is known to be a source of diterpenoids and aromatic benzylisoquinoline alkaloids [2]. Other aromatic compounds, such as flavonoids [3][4][5], lignans [6], phenylbutanoids [7], and a phenanthrene derivative [8], have also been reported.…”