Phaleria macrocarpa for Endometriosis Treatment: A Review

Abstract

Around 5—10% women in their productive age could suffer from endometriosis, a condition where viable endometrial tissue is present outside the uterine cavity. This disease could progress into ovarian cancer and infertility with long-lasting chronic pain. Thus, innovation for safe and efficacious management of this disease is urgent. Exploring the abilities of medicinal plants for endometriosis therapy is quite promising. Of which, Phaleria macrocarpa has been suggested as a strong candidate for the therapy. This review begins with explanations of endometriosis; its aetiology and pathobiology. Thereafter, we present the medicinal properties of P. macrocarpa for being anti-inflammatory, anti-angiogenesis, and anti-proliferation. Results from pre-clinical studies and an ongoing trial of P. macrocarpa as a therapy for endometriosis were also discussed in this review. Future study will explore the activity of this plant extracts against hypoxia inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2), and Bcl-2-associated X protein (BAX).