Phytochemistry and biological activities of genus <i>Chloranthus</i> : a review

<i>Chloranthus</i> is a genus within the family Chloranthaceae, comprising perennial herbs or shrub plants. There are 15 recognised species of <i>Chloranthus</i>. The chemical constituents of <i>Chloranthus</i> plants are diverse and feature many novel sesquiterpene skeletons. Their pharmacological activities are extensive, warranting in-depth research and discussion. This paper reviews and discusses the newly discovered chemical and biological activities of <i>Chloranthus</i> from the past 10 years, including 241 terpenoids, 26 phenylpropanoids, 17 flavonoids, 13 amides, 8 phenolic acids and 14 other compounds identified from 2013 to 2023. In terms of biological activity, extensive studies on the anti-tumour, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and other effects of <i>Chloranthus</i> plants are summarised. In this paper, the phytochemistry and pharmacology of <i>Chloranthus</i> were reviewed, and the active structure-activity relationship of these compounds was discussed in order to comprehensively summarise the related research progress of <i>Chloranthus</i>.