Research progress on the types, functions, biosynthesis, and metabolic regulation of ginkgo terpenoids

Ginkgo biloba L. is a relict plant endemic to China that is commonly considered a “living fossil”. It contains unique medicinal compounds that play important roles in its response to various stresses and help maintain human health. Ginkgo terpenoids are known to be important active ingredients but have received less attention than flavonoids. Hence, this review focuses on recent progress in research on the pharmacological effects of ginkgo terpenoid and the bioactivities of different terpenoid monomers. Many key structural genes, enzyme-encoding genes, transcription factors, and noncoding RNAs involved in the ginkgo terpenoid pathway were identified. Finally, many external factors (ecological factors, hormones, etc.) that regulate the biosynthesis and metabolism of terpenoids were proposed. All these findings improve the understanding of the biosynthesis, accumulation, and medicinal functions of terpenoids. Finally, this review includes an in-depth discussion regarding the limitations of terpenoid-related studies and potential future research directions. •The overview, values, and medicinal functions of ginkgo terpenoids were reviewed.•The types, synthetic sites, and biosynthetic pathways of terpenoids were reviewed.•The transcriptional regulation of ginkgo terpenoids were summarized.•Multiple influence factors regulate biosynthesis of terpenoids were summarized.•Discussions on current limitations and prospects were provided.