Cyclopentenyl Fatty Acids: History, Biological Activity and Synthesis.

This review discusses the substantial cyclopentenyl fatty acid class of naturally occurring lipids. These compounds are historically important and have recently been shown to exhibit remarkable biological activity relevant to producing new antibiotic agents. Information about the history of cyclopentenyl fatty acids, their use in traditional and modern medicine, as well as biological activity, and methods for their synthesis are given.