Phytochemical and biological studies of plants from the genus oxytropis

Oxytropis is an important genus of the family Leguminosae and subfamily Papillionoideae, also known as "Locoweed". About 350 species distribute in many zones of the world. There are about 150 species found in China, and more than 80 species mainly distributed in the northwest and northeast parts. More than 127 chemical constituents have been isolated from the genus Oxytropis, including flavonoids, flavonones, chalcones, isoflavones, isoflavanones, dihydroflavones, alkaloids, saponins, lignans and others compounds. Many plants have been used as folk medicine for the treatment of colds, inflammation of carbuncle swelling, pain and different types of bleeding. Meanwhile, has been proven to possess efficacy on anti-tumor, antisepticise, anti-inflammatory, hemostasis, neuroendocrine system effects, immune suppression activities, etc. © Published 08/05/2011 EISSN:1307-6167.