Las Gentianaceae: botánica, fitoquímica y actividad biológica

Abstract

This paper is a review on the secondary metabolites of the Gentianaceae family. These plants are very well known as remedies in the traditional medicine of many countries because they present a number of biological activities. After a botanical presentation of this family, that is still studied, the phytochemical research of many species are reported. The most characteristic metabolites are xanthones, a class of natural products that is not very widespread in plants. Characteristic are also the seco-iridoids and alkaloids.