ABSTRACT
Hypericin is one of the most important phenanthoperylene quinones extracted mainly from plants of the genus Hypericum belonging to the sections Euhypericum and Campylosporus of Keller's classification. Widespread attention to the antiviral and anti-tumor properties of hypericin has spurred investigations of the chemical synthesis and biosynthesis of this unique compound. However, the synthetic strategies are challenging for organic and biological chemists. In this review, specific significant advances in total synthesis, semi-synthesis, and biosynthesis in the past decades are summarized.
Subject(s)
Humans , Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic , Antiviral Agents , Hypericum , Chemistry , Metabolism , Perylene , Metabolism , Plant ExtractsABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To introduce the research progress in total-and semi-synthesis of artemisinin. METHODS: The review was based on representative literatures, and the data was summarized and analyzed. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Artemisinin is one of the most effective anti-malarial medicines. Since its discovery, artemisinin chemical synthesis has become a hot research topic. Nine total-synthesis methods andfive semi-synthesis methods were summarized, for which the overall yields were up to 10% and 60% respectively. Efficient synthesis of artemisinin in large scale by industry would be realized in the near future, and it will benefit hundred millions of patients.