自古以来，植物就被用来治疗多种疾病。植物的药理学特性归因于次级代谢产物的存在，如萜类化合物、黄酮类化合物、生物碱等。蒽醌代表一组广泛存在于各种植物物种中的天然存在的醌。蒽醌因其在治疗多种疾病方面的功效而引起了广泛关注。它们复杂的化学结构与固有的药用特性相结合，凸显了它们作为治疗药物的潜力。它们具有多种治疗特性，例如泻药、抗肿瘤、抗疟疾、抗菌、抗真菌、抗氧化剂等。蒽醌在植物中以不同形式（衍生物）存在，并且由于其结构和化学性质而表现出各种药用特性。高等植物中蒽醌生物合成的前体由不同途径提供，例如质体半萜2-C-甲基-D-叶绿醇4-磷酸(MEP)、甲羟戊酸(MVA)、异分支酸合酶和聚酮化合物。通过对科学文献进行彻底分析，这篇综述深入了解了蒽醌生物合成及其对人类健康的广泛贡献之间复杂的相互作用。版权所有© Bentham Science Publishers；如有任何疑问，请发送电子邮件至 epub@benthamscience.net。

Since ancient times, plants have been used as a remedy for numerous diseases. The pharmacological properties of plants are due to the presence of secondary metabolites like terpenoids, flavonoids, alkaloids, etc. Anthraquinones represent a group of naturally occurring quinones found generously across various plant species. Anthraquinones attract a significant amount of attention due to their reported efficacy in treating a wide range of diseases. Their complex chemical structures, combined with inherent medicinal properties, underscore their potential as agents for therapy. They demonstrate several therapeutic properties such as laxative, antitumor, antimalarial, antibacterial, antifungal, antioxidant, etc. Anthraquinones are found in different forms (derivatives) in plants, and they exhibit various medicinal properties due to their structure and chemical nature. The precursors for the biosynthesis of anthraquinones in higher plants are provided by different pathways such as plastidic hemiterpenoid 2-C-methyl-D-erthriol4-phosphate (MEP), mevalonate (MVA), isochorismate synthase and polyketide. By conducting a thorough analysis of scientific literature, this review provides insights into the intricate interplay between anthraquinone biosynthesis and its broad-ranging contributions to human health.Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.net.