Isodon Diterpenoids, Derivatives and their Pharmacological Potentials-A Review

The searches of various literatures have shown the genus Isodon to be a source of different compounds with interesting biological activities. The genus has provided many efficacious herbal medicines that are used in various countries including China; therefore, it has become the centre of attention to phytochemistry and pharmacology researchers. There are many reports on chemical and biological aspects of Isodon species, especially in China and other parts of the world; however, reports on African Isodon species are scanty. Since the literature indicates the genus to be rich in diterpenoids with potential therapeutic activities as revealed herein, with African species waiting to be explored, it is the responsibility of the phytochemists and pharmacologists to fill this knowledge gap. Herein, ethnomedicinal uses of some of Isodon plants in various traditional medicine systems, phytochemistry of the genus from 2016 to date, synthesis of Isodon diterpenoids and derivatives are discussed. Keywords: Isodon diterpenoids; Natural Products; Isodon phytochemistry; Herbal Medicines; Diterpenoids synthesis