Genus Euonymus: Chemical and Pharmacological Perception

The genus Euonymus has been reviewed for its chemical constituents and its biological activities including traditional importance of some common species. The genus Euonymus is cultivated in many parts of India for its ornamental purposes. The present report is based on available data and references about the genus. The main substances found in plants of the genus euonymus are dihydroagarofuran, sesquiterpene polyol esters, chlorogenic acid, D:A-friedooleanans, lupenediol and pyridine alkaloids. The overall activity of the extract is based on the interaction between its components. Different extracts of the Euonymus genus showed remarkable acitvites e.g. anticancerous, insecticidal, antitumor, antidiabetic and antimicrobial activities. Therefore, the safety and efficacy of the extract cannot be fully imitated by individual constituents. The aim of the present review is to summarize the different phytochemical and pharmacological work on the genus together.