Bioactive Compounds from the Plants of the Elaeodendron Genus and Their Biological Activities—A Review

Abstract

Elaeodendron is a genus of tiny trees, shrubs, vines, and herbs consisting of about 23 species. It is used in traditional medicine and has a wide range of pharmacological activities. From the plants in this genus, flavonoids, terpenoids, cardiac glycosides, and cardenolides have been isolated. Elaeodendron species have been the subject of numerous in vitro investigations; however, not many vivo studies are available. Preclinical investigations have also revealed antiviral, anti-HIV, anticancer, antiproliferative, antioxidant, antifungal, anti-inflammation, cytotoxic, anti-plasmodial, anti-arthritic, antibacterial, and anti-diabetic activities. Bioactive substances found in Elaedendron that function in a variety of ways are related to these biological processes. Several databases, including PubMed, Scopus, etc., were searched using keywords such as “Elaeodendron”, “chemical constituents”, “anti-cancer”, “anti-viral”, “pharmacology”, etc., to perform a comprehensive review of the current literature. In this sense, this review intends to provide the most recent developments in the ethnomedical use of Elaeodendron species, and their therapeutic benefits and bioactive compounds. Many species of this genus are reported to be toxic. To provide stronger scientific support for their conventional usage, more in vivo and clinical research for mechanism-based pharmacological evaluation as well as toxicological studies should be carried out in the future.

Antimicrobial activity of Bark Extracts of Elaeodendron paniculatum Wight and Arn.

“…The extracts were active against all the pathogens tested, with zones of inhibition that range from 13.0 to 15.7 mm (Odeyemi and Afolayan, 2017). The antibacterial activity of E. croceum extracts demonstrates the species' potential as an herbal medication against bacterial infections (Jennifer et al 2022).…”

“…Based on these review, it has been understood that, the different species of Elaeodendron have significant medicinal value. Hence it has antiviral, anti-HIV, anticancer, antiproliferative, antioxidant, anti-inflammation, anti-plasmodial, cytotoxic, antifungal, anti-arthritic, and antibacterial activities in them (Jennifer et al 2022). The present investigation on Elaeodendron paniculatum confirms the activity of this extract against microorganisms and it is further suggested to focus on the bioactivity guided separation and identification of the active components.…”

“…This is largely because traditional medicines are scarce and expensive in developing countries. About 80 percent of individuals in industrialized countries utilise conventional medicine, which comprises substances derived from medicinal plants (Jennifer et al 2022).Elaeodendron Jacq. is a genus in the Celastraceae family.…”