Ethnopharmacological uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology, and toxicology of Olax subscorpioidea Oliv (Olacaceae): a review

Abstract

Background The plant Olax subscorpioidea Oliv (Olacaceae) is a shrub that is widely available in Africa. It has been used in traditional medicine to treat various diseases including asthma, pain, inflammation, gastrointestinal and central nervous system (CNS) disorders, cough, diabetes mellitus, cancer, infectious diseases, hepatic diseases, and many other diseases. Several phytochemical and pharmacological investigations were conducted on this plant. However, comprehensive information on this medicinally important plant is not available in the literature. Therefore, in this review, we aimed to provide comprehensive and critical information on all the reported ethnomedicinal uses, phytochemistry, pharmacological activities, and potential toxicity of Olax subscorpioidea to highlight its therapeutic potentials based on traditional usage and identify research gaps as a basis for further investigations to develop novel therapeutic compounds. Main body The available information about the plant was retrieved from the online bibliographic databases (PubMed and Google Scholar) and published PhD dissertation using the search terms Olax subscorpioidea, traditional uses, ethnomedicinal uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology, toxicology, and safety. Phytochemical studies have shown that the plant contains several bioactive compounds such as rutin, morin, quercetin, caffeic acid, santalbic acid, n-hexadecanoic acid, squalene, nonacosane, hentriacontane, and many more compounds. Also, pharmacological investigations revealed that Olax subscorpioidea has antidepressant, antiepileptic, anti-Alzheimer’s, cytotoxic, antioxidant, antihyperlipidemic, analgesic, antiinflammatory, antiarthritic, antidiabetic, anticancer, antiulcer, antimicrobial, hepatoprotective, apoptotic, antiprotease, and other CNS effects. Conclusion Several pharmacological studies on Olax subscorpioidea have established its ethnopharmacological uses. However, there are limited phytochemical and pharmacological studies to validate other folkloric claims of the plant. Therefore, extensive phytochemical and further pre-clinical efficacy and safety evaluations to fully establish its therapeutic potentials and elucidate its mechanisms of pharmacological actions could be necessary. Graphical abstract

In-silico and biochemical analysis of ethyl acetate fraction of Olax subscorpioidea leaf on DMBA-induced cell proliferation in female rats

“…Many medicinal plants show potential in fighting cancer, but few have been fully researched. One example is O. subscorpioidea a member of Olacaceae (12). Although the plant is known for its antioxidant and anticancer effects, its bioactive components and mechanisms of action are unknown.…”

“…Olax subscorpioidea, a member of the Olacaceae, is one. This plant is common in Africa and has been used to address various health concerns, including asthma, inflammation, cough, infectious diseases, diabetes, hepatitis, and cancer (12). Popoola et al found that the herb may prevent and cure cancer (13).…”

Anticancer Activity of Ethyl Acetate Fraction and Ethanol Leaf Extract of Olax subscorpioidea against DMBA-Induced Female Rats

“…In pharmacological research, it was found that Olax subscorpioidea fractions and extracts exhibited analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antidiabetic, antimalarial, and antioxidant properties. 16 Unfortunately, there is still a limited understanding of the breast cancer anticancer mechanisms of Olax subscorpioidea. Thus, the study evaluated the anticancer properties of the ethyl acetate fraction and ethanol leaf extract of Olax subscorpioidea can help fight cancer.…”

Evaluation of in vitro Hypoglycemic Activity and Mechanism of Action of Olax scandens Roxb. Stem Bark Extracts

“…[15] Hexane, ethyl acetate and acetone fractions of leaf extract of Olax subscorpioidea were reported to show remarkable inhibition of α-amylase and α-glucosidase which are the carbohydrate digesting enzymes. [16] There are many reports available on various species of genus Olax for their antihyperglycemic activity but similar reports on O. scandens are not available and scientifically not evaluated. To provide scientific evidence to traditional claim of O. scandens bark being used as a supporting drug to treat diabetes.…”