The uniqueness and therapeutic value of natural products from West African medicinal plants, part II: terpenoids, geographical distribution and drug discovery

Abstract

In this review series, an attempt has been made to give indepth coverage of natural products derived from West African medicinal plants with diverse biological activities. In part II of this series, emphasis has been laid on terpenoids from West African flora having remarkable biological activities, as well as a correlation between biological activities of the derived compounds and the uses of the plants in African traditional medicine. The impact of geographical distribution on the chemical contents of selected plant genera and their chemotaxonomic classifications have also been included in the discussion. Suggestions for drug discovery projects beginning with natural products from West Africa have also been provided.