Biological and pharmacological activity of naturally occurring iridoids and secoiridoids.

The biological and pharmacological activities reported for naturally occurring iridoids and secoiridoids are reviewed. The hypothesis that iridoid glycoside and acetal esters can best be considered as pro-drugs and that corresponding hemiacetals and compounds derived from them carry the pharmacophores is discussed. The possibility that the activity of some iridoids is determined by their conversion to pyridine monoterpene alkaloids (PMTA) is also considered. The evidence available suggests that iridoids show activities consistent with those presented by immunomodulators and adaptogens.