Natural Products in Cyperus Species (Cyperaceae): Phytochemistry, Pharmacological Activities, and Biosynthesis

The review provides an update on the traditional uses, geographical distribution, pharmacological activities, biosynthesis, and mechanisms of action of natural products derived from Cyperus species. Since 1964, a total of about 403 natural products have been isolated from 43 Cyperus species, including terpenoids (51.61%), flavonoids (17.37%), stilbenoids (6.45%), quinones (5.71%), aromatics (7.69%), coumarins (5.21%) and other compounds (5.96%). The isolated compounds displayed anticancer, antiviral, antidiabetic, antimicrobial, antidepressant, and other activities. Terpenoids and flavonoids are the most abundant class of NPs that have been isolated from Cyperus species. The biosynthesis of some terpenoids and flavonoids has been provided in the paper. Natural products isolated from Cyperus species have demonstrated interesting in vitro activities which warrant further scientific investigations.