BIOLOGICAL ACTIVITIES AND NOVEL APPLICATIONS OF CHALCONES

ABSTRACT This review provides information on the biological activities of chalcones (whether natural or synthetic derivatives) on different organisms, as well as an overview of the functions and possible new applications of these plant secondary metabolites on crop protection, as eco-friendly pesticides and weed control agents. Naturally occurring chalcones have been used in traditional medicine for many years; however, recent scientific advances have shown that these molecules have a broad range of biological activities in a variety of organisms. A review on the major sources of chalcones and the main molecular events involved in the modes of action of these natural products is achieved. Chalcones are molecules with a broad spectrum of biological activities, which are of great interest in agriculture to control weeds and unwanted pests