Phytochemistry of the tribe Loteae (Fabaceae, Faboideae)

The Loteae tribe, a tribe within the subfamily Faboideae, is part to the large (> 20000 species) Fabaceae family. Some members of the Loteae have been used in traditional medicine. Here, we provide an overview of the specialized natural products identified in taxa belonging to the Loteae tribe until 2023. Over 360 secondary metabolites including flavonoids, isoflavonoids, terpenoids, steroids, and nitrogenous compounds have been found in members of the Loteae. However, the extend of research dedicated to the various genera and species within the tribe Loteae varies considerably thus limiting any systematic assessment of natural products as marker compounds.

Nontheless, the inclusion of the former genus Securigera into the genus Coronilla is supported by the similarities in the phytochemical composition. Cardenolides occur in the species Coronilla cretica L. and Coronilla scorpioides (L.) Koch as well as in some former Securigera species. Furthermore, the genera Dorycnium and Lotus show significant similarities in their flavonoid profiles, which is consistent with the inclusion of Dorycnium into Lotus.

This review of the existing literature on the Loteae tribe metabolites aims to provide a valuable basis for future studies on secondary metabolites. Studying the phytochemical profiles of the different taxa will allow a better understanding of their biological activities and potentially expand their use. Moreover, more clade/genus specific compound classes might be identified by dedicated future studies.