# The State of Knowledge of the Primary and Secondary Metabolites of the Iris Genus

## TL;DR

This review summarizes the chemical diversity and biological activities of metabolites in Iris plants, highlighting their medicinal and ecological significance.

## Contribution

The paper consolidates current phytochemical knowledge of Iris species and identifies gaps in chemical and ecological research.

## Key findings

- Iris species contain diverse primary and secondary metabolites with antitumor, antimicrobial, and antioxidant activities.
- Modern techniques enable precise structural characterization of Iris metabolites for chemotaxonomic and pharmacological research.
- The review identifies gaps in understanding the ecological and chemotaxonomic relationships of Iris metabolites.

## Abstract

The genus Iris L. is one of the largest in the Iridaceae Juss. family, comprising more than 320 species. These plants are widespread across the Northern Hemisphere, particularly in temperate and subtropical climate zones. The greatest species diversity occurs in the Mediterranean region, as well as in Southwest and Central Asia. Throughout history, Iris species have had horticultural, cultural, and medicinal value. The rhizomes of several Iris species have long been used for treating various diseases and as a source of essential oils for the cosmetic industry. Phytochemical studies of plants have revealed a rich diversity of primary and secondary metabolites, including phenolic compounds, stilbenes, triterpenoids, quinones, amino acids, and organic acids. These specialised metabolites exhibit a wide range of biological activities, such as antitumor, antimicrobial, estrogenic, antioxidant, and other effects. Modern chromatographic and spectroscopic techniques have enabled precise structural characterisation and quantification of these compounds, thereby providing chemotaxonomic and pharmacological research. This review highlights the chemical diversity of key compounds in Iris species and examines the ecological and chemotaxonomic relationships underlying their distribution. This article aims to consolidate current phytochemical knowledge of the genus Iris and identify gaps in chemical analysis and ecological adaptation.

The genus Iris L. (Iridaceae) comprises over 320 species, primarily found in the northern hemisphere. Iris species are important in horticulture, folklore and medicine, and contain a variety of primary and secondary metabolites with significant biological activity. This review summarises the latest phytochemical research on Iris species, considering their chemical diversity, chemotaxonomic significance, ecological patterns, and the current gaps in chemical and ecological research.