Bioactive constituents from Derris species: A comprehensive review

Derris species, formally known as Milletica, Tephrosia and Lacnchocarpus abundantly occur in tropical, subtropical regions with a long history of medicinal use. The Derris species mostly include climbing shrubs, comprises a total of 95 species. It belongs to the family Fabeceae synonymously known as Leguminaceae or Papilonaceae. Over the past 80 years, the genera received considerable attention with regard to phytochemical and pharmacological studies. Phytochemical investigations have revealed, flavones, flavonols, chalcones, dihydrochalcones, isoflavones, rotenones, stilbenes, coumarins, aurones, pterocarpans, coumastants, triterpenes, auinoides, prenylated flavonoides, prenylated isoflavonoides, 4-phenyl prenylated coumarins and benzyl derivatives and its glycosides from various parts or from whole part of species. Here we illustrate the isolation, structural elucidation, biosynthesis, biological evaluations and commercial uses of the plant with critical appraisal of the ethanopharmacological issues.