Chemical constituents of Morina genus: a comprehensive review

Abstract

Morina, a genus (family: Caprifoliaceae) of perennial herbs revered for their aromatic character and medicinal value is widely distributed in nature. Of the six accepted species of Morina, five species viz: M. chinensis, M. kokonorica, M. longifolia, M. nepalensis var. alba and M. persica have been the subject of numerous chemical investigations which has led to the characterization of a large number of chemical constituents in their different parts. The secondary metabolites reported in these species for the period upto 2013 are reviewed and compiled in this paper. Altogether one hundred ninety seven chemical constituents including one hundred eight volatile compounds, and eighty nine non-volatile compounds in the roots, leaves and whole plant of these species are listed together with their sources and references. These have been categorized into phenylpropanoids, sterol, iridoids, terpenes, lignans, neolignans, phenolics, and miscellaneous compounds. Biological activities associated with these compounds have also been given.