Progresses in Total Synthesis of Englerin A and Biological Evaluations of Its Analogues

Englerin A is an oxo-bridged guaiane-type sesquiterpenoid isolated from Phyllanthus engleri, and displays potent and highly selective inhibitory activities against renal cancer cell lines. In this review, the recent progresses since its disclosure in the total synthesis of englerin A and biological evaluations of its analogues are summarized, with an emphasis on the strategies of the synthetic routes, particularly in regards to the construction of oxatricyclic ring system.