Terpenoids: A Comprehensive Review on Biosynthesis, Applications and Enhancement Strategies for Translational Research
7 affiliations
- 1Department of Biosciences, Integral University, Lucknow 226026, India
- 2Department of Bioengineering, Integral University, Lucknow 226026, India
- 3University Center for Research and Development, Chandigarh University, Mohali 140413, India
- 4College of Medical Sciences, AlMaarefa University, Diriyah, Riyadh 13713, Saudi Arabia
- 5Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, Karshi State Technical University, Karshi 180100, Uzbekistan
- 6Department of Health Informatics, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Qassim University, Buraydah 51452, Saudi Arabia
- 7Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, University of Hail, Hail City P.O. Box 2440, Saudi Arabia
Abstract
There is growing interest in natural bioactive compounds as potentially safer and more sustainable sources of therapeutic agents. Terpenoids, one of the most structurally diverse and biologically active classes of natural products, are derived from repeating isoprene units and possess a broad range of pharmacological and industrial applications. This review provides a comprehensive overview of recent advances in terpenoid biosynthesis, structural classification, and therapeutic applications. It also discusses emerging approaches for enhancing large-scale production, improving functional efficacy, and overcoming pharmacokinetic limitations. Attention is given to terpenoids currently undergoing clinical evaluation, along with their progress toward commercial development. Despite substantial preclinical evidence supporting their therapeutic potential, the clinical translation of many terpenoids remains limited. Key challenges include poor aqueous solubility, low permeability, slow dissolution, and high lipophilicity, which can collectively restrict systemic bioavailability and therapeutic efficacy. Moreover, only a relatively small proportion of biologically active terpenoids have progressed to advanced stages of clinical development, highlighting a considerable gap between experimental findings and clinical application. This review integrates current knowledge of terpenoid biosynthesis, biological activities, production strategies, and translational development while highlighting sustainable and scientifically driven approaches that may facilitate their future therapeutic and commercial utilization.
Related
- Metabolic flux enhancement from the translational fusion of terpene synthases is linked to terpene synthase accumulation
- RNA-encoded PGT121-LS anti-HIV antibody: Comprehensive preclinical characterization and translational pharmacokinetics
- Comprehensive multi-post-translational modifications profiling reveals age-associated remodeling in skeletal muscle
- Nanopore Sequencing for Epigenetic Decoding: Applications, Analytical Constraints, and Translational Prospects
- The Functions and Molecular Mechanisms of SIRT7 in Mediating Fate Determinations of Stem Cells and Its Translational Applications
BibTeX
@article{irum2026terpenoids,
title = {{Terpenoids: A Comprehensive Review on Biosynthesis, Applications and Enhancement Strategies for Translational Research}},
author = {Irum and Gyanendra Tripathi and Suhail Ahmad and Nida Fatima and Paridhi Puri and Naved Ahmad and Kasun Kumara Dissanayake and Khurshid Ahmad and Saheem Ahmad and Alvina Farooqui},
journal = {International Journal of Molecular Sciences},
year = {2026},
month = oct,
doi = {10.3390/ijms27209280},
url = {https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/27/20/9280},
note = {CC BY 4.0},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - Terpenoids: A Comprehensive Review on Biosynthesis, Applications and Enhancement Strategies for Translational Research
AU - Irum
AU - Gyanendra Tripathi
AU - Suhail Ahmad
AU - Nida Fatima
AU - Paridhi Puri
AU - Naved Ahmad
AU - Kasun Kumara Dissanayake
AU - Khurshid Ahmad
AU - Saheem Ahmad
AU - Alvina Farooqui
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/10/01
JO - International Journal of Molecular Sciences
DO - 10.3390/ijms27209280
UR - https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/27/20/9280
AB - There is growing interest in natural bioactive compounds as potentially safer and more sustainable sources of therapeutic agents. Terpenoids, one of the most structurally diverse and biologically active classes of natural products, are derived from repeating isoprene units and possess a broad range of pharmacological and industrial applications. This review provides a comprehensive overview of recent advances in terpenoid biosynthesis, structural classification, and therapeutic applications. It also discusses emerging approaches for enhancing large-scale production, improving functional efficacy, and overcoming pharmacokinetic limitations. Attention is given to terpenoids currently undergoing clinical evaluation, along with their progress toward commercial development. Despite substantial preclinical evidence supporting their therapeutic potential, the clinical translation of many terpenoids remains limited. Key challenges include poor aqueous solubility, low permeability, slow dissolution, and high lipophilicity, which can collectively restrict systemic bioavailability and therapeutic efficacy. Moreover, only a relatively small proportion of biologically active terpenoids have progressed to advanced stages of clinical development, highlighting a considerable gap between experimental findings and clinical application. This review integrates current knowledge of terpenoid biosynthesis, biological activities, production strategies, and translational development while highlighting sustainable and scientifically driven approaches that may facilitate their future therapeutic and commercial utilization.
SN - 1422-0067
ER -