Phytochemistry, biological activities and economical uses of the genus Sterculia and the related genera: A reveiw

The genus Sterculia is represented by 200 species which are widespread mainly in tropical and subtropical regions. Some of the Sterculia species are classified under different genera based on special morphological features. These are Pterygota Schott & Endl., Firmiana Marsili, Brachychiton Schott & Endl., Hildegardia Schott & Endl., Pterocymbium R. Br. and Scaphium Schott & Endl. The genus Sterculia and the related genera contain mainly flavonoids, whereas terpenoids, phenolic acids, phenylpropanoids, alkaloids, and other types of compounds including sugars, fatty acids, lignans and lignins are of less distribution. The biological activities such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and cytotoxic activities have been reported for several species of the genus. On the other hand, there is confusion on the systematic position and classification of the genus Sterculia. However, the wide range of the reported flavonoids in the present review is quite significant and can act as a guide for further studies from the chemosystematic point of view. Also the value of the genus Sterculia and its related genera in the traditional medicine and their effective biological activities led to the possibilities of finding new sources of drugs for prospect applications.