Exploring the therapeutic potential of Cedrelopsis grevei Baill. (Rutaceae): A comprehensive review on the traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacological properties and essential oils

Abstract

Cedrelopsis grevei Baill (Rutaceae) is an indigenous species of Madagascar and widely used in ethnomedicine. Its bark, stem, leaves, and essential oils have been traditionally used as aphrodisiacs and for treating various illnesses, such as fever, malaria, inflammatory disorders, diabetes, fatigue, and hypertension. The purpose of this comprehensive review is to offer guidance for future studies and possible applications by summarizing the current developments to date regarding studies on C. grevei essential oils, isolated phytochemicals, pharmacological properties, and in vivo studies. Data on C. grevei were gathered using the following databases: Web of Science, Science Direct, Scopus, Google Scholar, SciFinder, Wiley online, SpringerLink, and PubMed. It has been reported that C. grevei contains triterpenoid derivatives, coumarins, acetophenones, chromones, and limonoids. Its essential oils, mainly composed of sesquiterpene hydrocarbons, oxygenated sesquiterpenes, oxygenated monoterpenes and monoterpene hydrocarbons, includes 160 identified constituents of essential oils and about 29 other compounds from various plant parts. This plant species exhibits different pharmacological activities, such as antimicrobial, antimalarial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiproliferative against cancer cell lines. Ex vivo and in vivo studies have explored its vasodilation and cardiovascular effects. The review showed that the pharmacological activity of C. grevei extracts, fractions, and isolated compounds support the use of this plant in traditional medicine for a variety of illnesses. However, more studies are required to be done on scientific and clinical aspects to support its therapeutic applications. Further studies on chronic toxicity and efficacy in animal models are necessary to confirm its therapeutic potential and ensure safety for future clinical trials.