Species of the genus Beilschmiedia Nees (Lauraceae) have been used for their wood, and also for culinary and traditional medicine applications. Members of the genus also produce a wide variety of structurally and pharmacologically diverse active secondary metabolites. For instance, alkaloids such as those of the morphinan type have been isolated from Beilschmiedia spp., as well as various phenylpropanoids, endiandric acids, lactones and isoprenoids. Moreover, these compounds have demonstrated a wide spectrum of biological activities such as antibacterial, anticholinesterase, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiviral, and cytotoxic activities. This review provides a comprehensive updated documentation on the phytochemical profile and pharmacological effects of the constituents of the genus Beilschmiedia . Over the last decade, reports on 38 species have appeared, covering over 120 compounds, of which 47 have demonstrated one or more biological activities. The traditional uses, phytochemical constituents and biological activities of Beilschmiedia species are covered. • Over 270 species of Beilschmiedia species are distributed in Africa, Asia, Central and South America and Oceania. • These species have traditional uses for timber, and for culinary and medicinal purposes. • Different non-volatile metabolites found include alkaloids, aromatic compounds, endiandric acid derivatives, and lactones. • Biological activities exhibited by these compounds include antibacterial, anticholinesterase, anti-inflammatory, and cytotoxic effects.
Terrasson et al. (Wed,) studied this question.