Traditional Uses, Phytochemistry, and Pharmacology of Elegia Species: A Review

Abstract

In South Africa, plants belonging to the Restionaceae family possess an ecological dominance. As a result, they have been the subject of numerous morphological, anatomical, and evolutionary studies. However, few studies have focused on their phytochemical profile and their potential pharmacological activities. The genus Elegia L. is the second largest of this family comprising 52 species, which are mainly used as materials for thatching. Limited studies on the chemical constituents of Elegia species and their importance as medicinal plants have been undertaken. This review provides constructive and extensive information about the botanical characterization, distribution, traditional uses, phytochemistry and pharmacology of the genus Elegia. A comprehensive search of previously published literature was performed for studies on this genus, using databases with different key search words. This survey documented 52 Elegia species summarizing their previous taxonomic classification. In addition, 14 species were found to be studied for their phytochemical profile, revealing 14 chemical compounds. Concerning their biological activities, only one species (E. tectorum (L.f.) Moline and H.P.Linder) is reported for its anti-wrinkle activity. Moreover, two species are locally used for thatching and as materials for brooms. The present review highlights the Elegia genus as an important source of bioactive phytochemicals with flavonol glycosides being the main metabolites and reveals the uncharted territory of this genus for new research studies.

Differences in Antioxidant Potential of Allium cepa Husk of Red, Yellow, and White Varieties

“…Benito-Román et al showed that red onion skin waste contains more myricetin than that of yellow onions [ 6 ], as was the case in our results, although the difference in content was not as distinct. Laricitrin, a 3′-MeO analog of myricetin [ 40 ], is a less common flavonol that has not been thoroughly studied as compared to kaempferol or quercetin [ 41 ]. It was reported that laricitrin could suppress certain factors and decrease the progression of lung cancer cells [ 42 ].…”