Background Pleurostylia capensis Turcz (Loes) is a tree species found in Africa that has been used in traditional medicine for various ailments.Aim This review aims to investigate the phytochemistry, ...pharmacology and toxicity of P. capensis Turcz (Loes) and its ethnomedicinal uses.Method A comprehensive search was conducted using electronic databases, including PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science. The keywords used were ‘Pleurostylia capensis’, ‘phytochemistry’, ‘pharmacology’, ‘toxicology’ and ‘ethnomedicine’. Studies were included if they reported on the phytochemical composition, pharmacological activities, toxicological evaluations and/or ethnomedicinal uses of Pleurostylia capensis.Results A phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of various bioactive compounds including alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenoids and phenolic compounds. Pharmacological studies have reported the plant’s potential as an anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial and a potential agent for bone and articular cartilage regeneration. Toxicological evaluations have shown that the plant is safe for human consumption at recommended doses.Conclusion The review highlights the potential of Pleurostylia capensis as a source of bioactive compounds with pharmacological activities. Toxicological evaluations have also shown that the plant is safe for human consumption. The review provides useful information for further research on the development of new drugs from natural products.Contribution This review provides a comprehensive summary of the phytochemistry, pharmacology, toxicology of Pleurostylia capensis and its ethnomedicinal uses. The review highlights the potential of the plant as a source of bioactive compounds and provides a basis for further research on the development of new drugs from natural products.
species (family;
) have been intensively studied for their immunomodulating effects due to their wide-ranging uses to treat immune-related diseases in indigenous medicine, which are primarily lack of ...scientific basis. The focuses of this review are on the significance of
species and their bioactive metabolites particularly corilagin (
), geraniin (
), gallic acid (
), phyllanthin (
), hypophyllanthin (
), ellagic acid (
), phyltetralin (
), niranthin (
), catechin (
), quercetin (
), astragalin (
), and chebulagic acid (
) in the modulation of both innate and adaptive immune systems through various mechanisms and their possible therapeutic benefits for treatment of immune-related diseases. We have compiled all significant findings published in the literature, and the data were analyzed critically to provide perspectives and directions for future research for the plants as a prospective source of novel immunomodulating agents. Various
species particularly
,
,
, and
have been documented to possess significant immunomodulatory effects. However, the possible challenges encountered by the application of extracts of various
species and their bioactive constituents as immunomodulators need to be addressed. Most reports on the biological and pharmacological studies of the plants were based on crude extracts. The extracts were not chemically characterized, and the contributions of their chemical constituents to the bioactivities were not identified. The underlying mechanisms involved in the immunomodulatory effects of the
species were not indepthly studied due to limitations in terms of design, conduct, and interpretation. Extensive experimental and preclinical studies on the immunomodulating potential of
species should be carried out to provide sufficient data to prove that their traditional uses are inherently effective and safe and will allow clinical trials to be pursued for their further development as therapeutic agents to treat immune-related disorders.
Bezoar: The Stone of the Guanaco Juan Beltramino; Marcela Villalba; Agostina Casimiro ...
ECMC 2022,
11/2022, Volume:
14, Issue:
1
Conference Proceeding, Journal Article
Peer reviewed
Open access
This research work allowed the development of a scientific approach to a remedy widely used until today in ranches or rural posts as an alternative medicine: the “guanaco stone” or bezoar. Bezoars ...are compactions of various chemical substances, hairs, vegetable fibers and foreign bodies, which are formed mainly between the divisions of the stomach of guanacos (Lama guanicoe). The ethnomedicine of this Patagonian region uses powdered bezoars ingested with water or in infusions, as a medicine that improves digestive and renal functions, and especially alexipharmaceuticals. The objective of this trial was to find “in vitro” the pharmacological foundations of bezoars. Samples of bezoars, obtained from the local refrigerator, were used in the test. For this, their density, colors, and hardness were determined. One of the bezoars was totally pulverized, the powder obtained was observed under an optical microscope with a magnification of 1000×. Subsequently, the chemical composition was sought by examining the presence of P, K, and N, as well as the pH. The results made it possible to determine the pH was neutral and the presence of P, N, and K was medium. It is concluded in this first approach to the subject that according to these determinations, bezoars can act via two mechanisms: the presence of phosphates acts as chelators of ingested toxins, facilitating their elimination from the body, but also the minerals that together stimulate the secretion of acid gastric and digestive enzymes.
Medicinal plants are considered to be a critical source of novel compounds and pharmacophores. The genus Ardisia, consisting of approximately 500 species, is the largest genus in the Myrsinaceae ...family. Ardisia species are widely distributed throughout tropical and subtropical regions of the world and have been used for the treatment of cancer, hypertension, irregular menstruation, gonorrhea, diarrhea and postnatal syndromes, among others. Phytochemical studies of Ardisia species have resulted in the isolation and identification of 111 compounds, including triterpenoid saponins, quinones, phenols, coumarins, cyclic depsipepetide and flavonoids. Crude extracts and isolates from Ardisia have been reported to have in vitro and in vivo efficacies, including but not limited to anticancer, antiinflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, antithrombotic and antidiabetic, antitubercular compounds. This review focuses on the medical and functional uses, phytochemical profile and pharmacological efficacies of Ardisia species over the past 15 years. This review will provide information indicating that Ardisia species represent an invaluable source of potential therapeutic compounds.
Objective: Over the past several decades, ethnobotany and ethnomedicine have been considered as a more appropriate interdisciplinary approach to drug discovery involving interdisciplinary ...collaboration. Several studies on ethnomedicine and ethnobotany worldwide have shown that diabetes mellitus has been recognised by the traditional healer as a pathological condition which can be treated with specific medicinal plants. The starting point in an ethno-directed search for anti-diabetic plants is the identification of plant species used by local healers for this purpose. This study aims to document medicinal plants used by local communities for the treatment of diabetes mellitus. Methods: This ethnographical study highlights the emic point of the local people to documents knowledge, belief, and practice of ubar kampung in Sunda Region. Results: The results of this study reveals 20 of most frequently used of medicinal, aromatic, and cosmetic plants by people in Sundanese community. The majority of plant species used for the treatment of diabetes mellitus belong to the families of Asteraceae (2 species), Lauraceae (2 species), and Liliaceae (2 species). Conclusion: Most of the medicinal plants reported in the research area are already publicly acknowledged for their medicinal properties, indicating that their pharmacological activities have been studied in different areas. Medicinal plants such Syzygium polyanthum, Moringa oleifera, Swietenia mahagoni, Allium sativum, and Cinnammomum burmanni have been widely used in several regions by various ethnic groups. Leaves are the most frequently used plant part. In general, infusion and decoction are the most common plant preparation methods in the research area.
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