ABSTRACT
The family Berberidaceae consists of 2 genera and 650 species of herbs or shrubs. The family Berberidaceae consists of 2 genera and 650 species of herbs or shrubs. Members of this family produce antimicrobial protoberberines, bisbenzylisoquinolines, and protopine alkaloids as well as aryltetralin lignans. Is is an archetype of alkaloid producing plant family. Isoquinolines are plant defenses in phylogenetically basal families. The wood of shrubs is often yellow owed to alkaloids. Members of the family Ranunculaceae produce antimicrobial benzylisoquinoline or/and aporphine alkaloids, furanones, quinones, monoterpenes, diterpene alkaloids, and triterpene saponins. The family Ranunculaceae consists of about 71 genera and 2500 species of herbs, shrubs, or climbers, which are mainly found in the hilly areas of Asia Pacific. The leaves are simple or compound, spiral or opposite, and exstipulate. The inflorescences are solitary or racemes or cymes and often showy. The corolla comprises up to 8 petals or is absent. The androecium includes numerous stamens. The gynoecium includes numerous carpels.
