Phytochemistry and Pharmacognosy of Naturally Occurring Prenyloxyanthraquinones

Several natural compounds containing an anthraquinone core linked to a prenyloxy chain have been reported in the literature in recent years. The discovery in the plant kingdom of such secondary metabolites is a novel acquisition in the phytochemistry research field and in many cases led to a re-consideration of the secondary metabolite pool of well known anthraquinone-containing plants. In this review article we will focus on the phytochemistry and pharmacognosy of prenyloxyanthraquinones putting in evidence the natural sources and their biological properties as anti-microbial and anticancer agents. Keywords: Anthraquinones, anti-cancer activity, anti-inflammatory activity, oxyprenylated seconddary metabolites, polyketides.