环烯醚萜类(iridoids)化合物是最近发展较快的一类天然产物。一些重要中药,如地黄、玄参、栀子、龙胆、胡黄连、缬草、马钱子等均含有该类成分。环烯醚萜类化合物具有多种生理功能。药理及生化研究表明,该类成分具有清热、利胆、抗菌、抗霉、杀虫、利尿、降血糖,降血压、缓泻、收缩子宫、镇痛、镇咳,镇静等作用。例如,獐芽菜甙(Sweroside)具有退热及抗惊厥作用。栀子甙(Geniposide)为栀子 Iridoid compounds are a recently developed class of natural products. Some important Chinese medicines, such as Rehmannia glutinosa, Scrophularia, Scorpion, Gentiana, Huhuanglian, Valerian, and Machizi, contain these components. Iridoid steroids have a variety of physiological functions. Pharmacological and biochemical studies have shown that these components have the effects of heat, gallbladder, antibacterial, anti-mildew, insecticidal, diuretic, hypoglycemic, lower blood pressure, laxative, contraction of the uterus, analgesia, antitussive, and sedation. For example, Sweroside has antipyretic and antipyretic effects. Geniposide is a scorpion