Neocarya macrophylla (Sabine) Prance: Review on Taxonomy, Ethnobotany, Phytochemistry and Biological Activities

Abstract

Neocarya macrophylla (Sabine) Prance (Nm, Chrysobalanaceae) is used traditionally as food, for medicinal spiritual and industrial purposes. It is also used as soap, dye, glue, fodder, termite repellent, firewood and for structural materials. Few studies on the physicochemical, nutritional contents, phytochemical and pharmacological activities have validated the benefits of Nm to humanity as food, in cosmetics and pharmaceutical products. The major bioactive constituents identified in the plant so far are steroids and flavonoids (such as stigmasterol, quercetin, catechin and its related glycosides). Extracts of the plant have shown good antivenom, antimicrobial, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antimycobacterial, anthelmintic and antioxidant activities. Acute toxicity studies conducted have confirmed the plant to be toxic. More studies on the plant are required in order to exploit other biological activities as claimed by traditional healers and also to isolate more bioactive compounds. In addition, the safety and tolerability assessment of Nm should be undertaken due to its widespread usage.

Exploring the Antidiabetic Potential of Neocarya macrophylla (Nm) Leaf Fractions: A Comprehensive Study on Hypoglycemic Activity, Body Mass Index, and Hematological Parameters in High-Fat Diet/ Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rat

“…Acute toxicity tests in mice were conducted using Lorke's method and the LD50 of the extract/fractions was determined: 565 mg/kg for n-hexane, chloroform, and ethyl acetate, and 141 mg/kg for n-butanol. Subsequent studies used 30% of LD50 values (21).…”