Asian Journal
Of Traditional Medicines

Abstract: The plants of Croton genus, belonging to Euphorbiaceae family, are widely used as herbal medicine in the folk. Popular uses include treatment of cancer, HIV, fever, hypertension, inflammation, intestinal worms, malaria, pain, ulcers and weight-loss. Diterpenoids are very common in Croton, corresponding to clerodanes, tiglianes, kauranes, labdanes, cembranes, halimanes, trachylobanes, crotofolanes and sarcopetalanes. There are numerous studies indicated that the main active chemical constituents of Croton were diterpenoids. The plants of Croton genus have been closely watched by researchers due to its multiple activities and good development prospect. To obtain a more comprehensive perspective, it is necessary to publish a review focusing on the “diterpenoids from the genus Croton”. This paper is presented as a review concentered on the diterpenoids different core frameworks and its pharmacological effects of Croton genus, which is useful to the further research and development of this plant.

Key words: Croton genus, diterpenoids, chemical constituents, pharmacological effects