Biosynthesis of biologically active terpenoids in the mint family (Lamiaceae)

Abstract

Covering: 2000 to 2025

The Lamiaceae family, the sixth largest among angiosperms, is renowned for its rich diversity of terpenoids, many of which exhibit remarkable bioactivities, including anti-inflammatory, psychoactive, anti-cancer, and antiviral effects. Notable examples with fully elucidated biosynthetic pathways include menthol from peppermint, forskolin from blue spur flower, and carnosol from rosemary. For other key Lamiaceae terpenes—such as the anti-cancer oridonin, the psychoactive salvinorin A, and bioactive marrubiin and vitexilactone—significant progress has been made. This review explores the bioactivity and biosynthesis of Lamiaceae terpenes, with a focus on mono- and diterpenes, while highlighting future research directions.

Graphical abstract: Biosynthesis of biologically active terpenoids in the mint family (Lamiaceae)

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Article information

Article type
Review Article
Submitted
09 Apr 2025
First published
27 Aug 2025
This article is Open Access
Creative Commons BY-NC license

Nat. Prod. Rep., 2025, Advance Article

Biosynthesis of biologically active terpenoids in the mint family (Lamiaceae)

M. Frey, S. T. Gohr, T. G. Köllner, U. Bathe, N. D. Lackus, F. Padilla-Gonzalez, D. Ro, S. E. O'Connor, J. Degenhardt and A. Tissier, Nat. Prod. Rep., 2025, Advance Article , DOI: 10.1039/D5NP00026B

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