Valorization of ligustrum species: biosynthesis, metabolic engineering, and pharmacology of bioactive compounds

The genus Ligustrum (Oleaceae) encompasses woody plants with both medicinal and edible uses, distinguished by a wide range of bioactive compounds, including triterpenoids, phenylethanoid glycosides, flavonoids, and other active constituents. These metabolites demonstrate multi-target pharmacological effects, such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antitumor, and anti-osteoporotic activities. In traditional medicine, species like L. lucidum and L. robustum are well-documented for their therapeuti