Natural Products in Cyperus Species (Cyperaceae): Phytochemistry, Pharmacological Activities, and Biosynthesis

The review provides an update on the traditional uses, geographical distribution, pharmacological activities, biosynthesis, and mechanisms of action of potent natural products derived from Cyperus species. Cyperus species are widely distributed in the tropical and subtropical regions across the globe. Cyperus is the second-largest genus in this family with about 950 species. Since 1964, a total of about 403 natural products have been isolated from 43 Cyperus species, including terpenoids (51.61%), flavonoids (17.37%), stilbenoids (6.45%), quinones (5.71%), aromatics (7.69%), coumarins (5.21%), and other compounds (5.96%). The isolated compounds displayed anticancer, antiviral, antidiabetic, antimicrobial, antidepressant, and other activities. Terpenoids and flavonoids are the most abundant class of natural products that have been isolated from Cyperus species. The biosynthesis of some terpenoids and flavonoids has been provided in the paper. Natural products isolated from Cyperus species have demonstrated interesting in vitro activities that warrant further scientific investigations.