Chemistry, bioactivities, structure-activity relationship, biosynthesis and metabolisms of prenylated flavonoids in Moraceae plants

Abstract

Plants from Moraceae are globally popular as they represent a valuable resource with wide applications in food, health-care products, and other fields. Prenylated flavonoids are important active components in Moraceae. These compounds share a flavonoid skeleton with prenylated side chain, mostly in the form of single or multiple isoprenyl substituents and benzodimethylfuran structures. So far, nearly 400 prenylated flavonoids have been found in Moraceae, especially a large number of Diels-Alder adducts, which are characteristic components in this family. Due to their distinctive structures, diverse pharmacological properties and interesting synthesis processes, these compounds have attracted considerable attention from scientists. Herein, we review the advances in the structural characteristics, bioactivities, structure-activity relationship, biosynthesis strategies and in vivo metabolisms of prenylated flavonoids in Moraceae plants, aiming at strengthening the research efforts and utilization toward the untapped great potential of these unique constituents in human health.