Research Progress on Secondary Metabolites from the Ascidians of Aplidium Genus

Ascidians (tunicates) are widely recognized as one of the most prolific producers of bioactive natural products in the marine environment. This present study reviewed the chemical diversity of marine ascidians from the Aplidium genus and their pharmacological applications since Jan 2005. The resources of this genus from China Seas, including the changes of their names in the family Polydinidae were also summarized in this paper. In addition, a concise outlook on their chemical and pharmaceutical investigation is made to support further development.