Recent research on the physicochemical properties and biological activities of quinones and their practical applications: a comprehensive review

Abstract

Quinones represent a class of crude organic compounds ubiquitously distributed in nature. Their distinctive quinone-type structure confers upon them unique properties and applications. The quinones demonstrates significant biological activities, including antioxidant, antimicrobial, and antitumor properties. Additionally, it demonstrates noteworthy physicochemical characteristics, including excellent dyeing properties and stability. Given their diverse qualities, quinones hold significant promise for applications in industrial manufacturing, healthcare, and food production, thus garnering considerable attention in recent years. While there is a growing body of research on quinones, the existing literature falls short of providing a comprehensive review encompassing the recent advancements in this field along with the established knowledge. This paper offers a comprehensive review of the research progress on quinones, encompassing structural classification, source synthesis, extraction methods, properties, functions, and specific applications in various life aspects. It serves as a reference and theoretical foundation for the further development and utilization of quinones.