Advances in Isolation and Synthesis of Xanthone Derivatives

Xanthone and its derivatives occupy a large part of the family of natural polyphenolic compounds with various biological and pharmacological activities. In recent years (from 2006 to 2011), it was reported that 127 xanthones were discovered from plants and fungi using various modern separation methods including silica gel/polyamide column chromatography, HPLC, high-speed counter-current chromatography, high-performance centrifugal partition chromatography, etc. Since total synthesis and structure modification for xanthone and its derivatives have been given attention worldwide, we introduced the synthetic methods of xanthone skeletons as well. Unfortunately, to date, there are still weaknesses in current methods of separation and synthesis, which need to be improved. This review, to a certain extent, provides necessary foundation for the further research and development of medicines containing xanthone and its derivatives.