The genus Taxus (yews) is the largest genus of the family Taxaceae. It comprises about 24 species with 55 varieties distributed mainly in Asia, Europe, North Africa, and North America. In addition to the taxane diterpenoids and the cancer drug taxol, its species contain many essential oils with actual or potential biological activity. This review covers the chemical constituents as well as biological activities of these oils that have been studied in fourteen countries over 46 years (1975-2021). It also discusses the biotic and abiotic factors that limit the regeneration of these economically and medicinally important plants.
Keywords: Medicinal plants; Taxus species; biological activities; endangered yews; essential oils; fatty acids; regeneration factors; taxol and its precursors.
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