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The genus Quercus: metabolites, biological activity
and mechanisms of action
Lulu Jiang .Shuanghui Yin .Guangyue Wang .Xinting Shao .
Ye Wang .Yong Li .Yuling Ding
Received: 26 July 2023 / Accepted: 27 February 2024
©The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature B.V. 2024
Abstract Quercus, an essential genus within the
Fagaceae family, comprises roughly 500 plant
species. Over the past 5 years (2019–2023), there
has been a noticeable increase in the production of
high-quality research papers focusing on this genus,
marking it as an emerging research area of interest.
However, despite this growing body of work, there
has yet to be a comprehensive and systematic review
addressing the metabolites, pharmacological effects,
and underlying mechanisms associated with Quercus.
To bridge this knowledge gap, the current study
performed an exhaustive literature review. A total of
64 relevant papers published in high-impact journals
(classified as JCR Q1–Q3) between January 2019 and
April 2023 were meticulously selected through
comprehensive searches of the ACS, PubMed, Web
of Science, and Science Direct databases. The
chemical analysis encompassed the identification of
217 compounds, spanning categories like terpenoids,
flavonoids, tannins, and phenols, among others.
Within this set, 11 previously undisclosed compounds
emerged, comprising 6 terpenoids and 5 esters. The
study primarily delved into the internal and external
pharmacological properties of 23 distinct plant
species, including antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-
inflammatory, antidiabetic effects, and even the
assessment of its potential for mitigating the impact
of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2
(SARS-CoV-2). This paper offers a comprehensive
evaluation of the findings and provides insightful
recommendations for guiding future research on this
plant genus. The ultimate aim is to facilitate a solid
foundation for the modern research and development
of Quercus spp., thereby contributing to scientific
advancement and enhancing the existing literature in
this field.
Keywords Quercus · Oak · Metabolites ·
Biological activity
Introduction
Quercus, an enduring genus within the Fagaceae
family, assumes the form of both evergreen and
deciduous trees as well as occasionally sparse shrubs.
It holds significant ecological importance and boasts
a wide-ranging distribution across Europe, Asia,
North Africa, North America, Central and South
America. Comprising an impressive total of approx-
imately 500 species, Quercus is characterized by its
exceptional longevity, with some specimens capable
of reaching the remarkable age of up to 200 years,
solidifying its status as a remarkably long-lived tree
species (Taib et al. 2020; Escando
´n et al. 2021).
L. Jiang · S. Yin · G. Wang · X. Shao ·
Y. Wang · Y. Li · Y. Ding (&)
School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Changchun
University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun 130117,
Jilin, China
e-mail: dingyl@ccucm.edu.cn
123
Phytochem Rev
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11101-024-09935-x(0123456789().,-volV)(0123456789().,-volV)
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