Phytochemical Constituents and Pharmacological Activities of Globimetula braunii (Loranthaceae): A Review

Abstract

Globimetula braunii (Loranthaceae) is a hemiparasitic shrub that grows on dicotyledonous trees; the plant is used traditionally in the treatment of various diseases. This study aims to review the ethnomedicinal uses, scientific and pharmacological studies as well as phytochemistry of G. braunii. Information related to the ethnomedicinal uses, scientific and pharmacological studies as well as phytochemistry of the G. braunii was obtained by searching using the keyword G. braunii in the following databases; Google Scholar, PubMed, ScienceDirect and Web of Science. The literature search revealed that G. braunii is widely distributed in tropical countries like Malaysia, Cameroun, Ghana and Nigeria, and is used traditionally to treat pulmonary diseases, hypertension, ulcer, cancer, epilepsy and pain. Scientific studies have shown that G. braunii possessed anticonvulsant, central nervous depressant, oxytocic, analgesic, antiinflammatory, laxative, antihypertensive, anti-hyperglycemic, antioxidant, anticancer, antibacterial, antifungal and antiplasmodial activities. Approximately, thirty-two (32) compounds were isolated from the plant. Some of these compounds include; 7α,15α-epoxy-lup-20(29)-ene-30-hydroxyl-3β-O-tetracosanoate, Lupeol, quercetin, (+)-catechin, quercitrin, rutin, avicularin, and 6-methoxy-2H-inden-5-ol. G. braunii should be used in the development of new plant-derived drugs and used as herbal supplements for the management of various diseases. In addition, studies on the clinical safety and efficacy of the plant should also be carried out.

Isolation of quercetin-3-<i>O</i>-rutinoside from the leaves of <i>Globimetula braunii</i> (Loranthaceae) growing on <i>Terminalia catappa</i> (Combretaceae)

“…A total of 128 fractions were collected. The fractions were pooled together based on their TLC profiles to give 21 major fractions coded A-U [6]. Fraction R was further subjected to repeated gel filtration with Sephadex LH-20 and eluted with 100% methanol to afford compound GB5 (7 mg).…”

“…The plant was reported to contain several secondary metabolites that are responsible for its therapeutic activity [5]. In our previous studies, we reported the isolation of flavonols (rhamnetin, quercetin and rhamnetin-3-O-α-Lrhamnopyranoside) from this plant [6]. This study aimed to isolate more flavonoid compounds present in the n-butanol fraction of the ethanol leaf extract of the plant.…”