In our early screening process, songorine isolated from Aconitum brachypodum diels possessed prominent activity of inhibiting class B G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). For further study, a series of ester and carbonyl derivatives were synthesized and their potential inhibitory activities on class B GPCRs were also assayed by the Double Antibody Sandwich ELISA (DAS-ELISA) in vitro. Moreover, the structure-activity relationships (SARs) of songorine derivatives were discussed in detail. In this paper, the story behind this study was described.

Cynanchum paniculatum (Xuchangqing) is a famous traditional Chinese herb (TCH) widely used for treating rheumatism and pains in China. C₂₁ steroids and acetophenones are the characteristic constituents in this TCH, from which a total of 61 compounds have been reported involving 32 C₂₁ steroids, 13 phenols, seven triterpenoids and nine other compounds. Biological investigation on this herb revealed the anti-inflammatory, anti-snake venom, anti-microbial, neuroprotective and anti-cancer properties of the pure compounds or crude extracts. This minireview summarized the phytochemical and biological progress of C. paniculatum to provide a reference for better understanding the effective substances of Xuchangqing.

Triterpenoids exist commonly in the genus Ficus. Till now, ninety-seven triterpenes have been isolated from the genus Ficus. The bioactivities of five triterpenes including maslinic acid, oleanolic acid, lupeol, betulinic acid and ursolic acid have been studied extensively. Herein, we provide an overview of triterpenes in the genus Ficus and their various bioactivities.

Ixeris sonchifoia (Bge.) Hance is a famous traditional Chinese herb (TCH) for medicinal treatment and diet with wide distribution and rich resources. Flavonoids, triterpenoids and sesquiterpene lactones are the characteristic constituents of this TCH. Biological investigation on I. sonchifoia revealed the remarkable pharmacological activities of this herb for the treatment of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. This review summarized the phytochemical and biological progress of I. sonchifoia to provide a reference for further research and development of this TCH.