Ethnomedicinal use, phytochemistry, pharmacology, and toxicology of Chamaerops humilis: A review

Abstract

Chamaerops humilis L. is a widespread species in the western and central Mediterranean region. It is used in traditional medicine to treat numerous diseases, particularly diabetes. Aim of the review: This review was devoted to provide valuable information on C. humilis various aspects including its botanical description, taxonomy, geographical distribution, medicinal use, phytochemistry, pharmacological properties, and toxicity. Materials and methods: We searched various scientific databases, such as Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, SpringerLink, SciFinder, Wiley Online, and Google Scholar, to collect data on C. humilis. The presented data on C. humilis were organized according to botanical description, ethnomedicinal use, bioactive compounds, pharmacology, and toxicological investigation. Results: In traditional medicine, C. humilis was used to treat diabetes, diarrhea, gastritis, gastralgia, constipation, neuronal diseases, and anemia. The extracts and essential oil derived from C. humilis demonstrated various beneficial properties, such asantibacterial, anticholinesterase, antidiabetic, antilithiasic, anti-inflammatory, antitumoral, antioxidant, antityrosinase, and antihyperlipidemic activities. Phytochemical investigations identified several chemical classes of secondary metabolites in C. humilis essential oil and extracts including phenols, sterols, terpenoids, polysaccharides, and fatty acid. Conclusion: Based on the critical analysis of previous studies, further exploration of C. humilis and its bioactive compounds should be conducted for potential medical applications. This may involve isolating and characterizing specific compounds from C. humilis and evaluating their therapeutic potential through preclinical and clinical studies.