Bioactivities of the Genus Combretum (Combretaceae): A Review

Abstract

The Combretaceae is a large family of herbs, shrubs and trees, comprising about 20 genera and 600 species with tropical distribution around the globe and centers of diversity in Africa and Asia. Some Combretum species are extensively used in traditional medicine against inflammation, infections, diabetes, malaria, bleeding, diarrhea and digestive disorders and others as a diuretic. The present work is a literature survey of Combretum species that have been evaluated for their ability to exert biological activities. A total number of 36 Combretum species are discussed with regard to plant parts used, component tested and bioassay models. This review is of fundamental importance to promoting studies on Combretum species, thereby contributing to the development of new therapeutic alternatives that may improve the health of people suffering from various health problems.

Phytochemical Constituents of Combretum Loefl. (Combretaceae)

“…Antibacterial activity of different extracts (ethanol, chloroform, methanol or water) of C. micranthum was noted against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella species, Streptococcus species, Proteus vulgaris, Klebsiella species, Sarcina lutea, Micrococcus luteus and Bacillus subtilis [7]. Antifungal activity against Candida albicans, antiviral activity against Herpes simplex 1 and Herpes simplex 2, antimalarial activity against Plasmodium falciparum and antidiabetic activity was also reported [8][9][10][11].…”

Protective effect ofTerminalia muelleriagainst carbon tetrachloride-induced hepato and nephro-toxicity in mice and characterization of its bioactive constituents

“…Terminalia, the second largest genus of family Combretaceae after Combretum, comprises about 200 species distributed in tropical regions of the world (de Morais et al, 2012). The genus gets its name from Latin terminus, referring to the fact that the leaves appear at the tips of the shoots (Saxena et al, 2013).…”

Genus Terminalia: A phytochemical and Biological Review

“…The genus Terminalia is the second largest genus of the Combretaceae after Combretum, with about 200 species. These plants are distributed in tropical regions of the world with the greatest genetic diversity in Southeast Asia [1]. Genus Terminalia gets its name from Latin terminus, since the leaves appear at the tips of the shoots [2].…”