Helichrysum kraussii Sch.Bip.: Review on its medicinal uses, phytochemistry and pharmacological properties

Helichrysum kraussii Sch.Bip. is a woody shrub that naturally occurs in grasslands and woodlands in South-Central Africa. The various parts of H. kraussii serve as components used in traditional medicines within the South Central Africa region. This review provides an overview of the existing literature on the medicinal uses, phytochemical composition, and pharmacological properties of H. kraussii. The study reveals that various parts of the plant, including branches, flowers, leaves, roots, seeds, twigs, and whole plant parts, are used in ritual practices and traditional medicine to treat a range of human ailments. These include venereal diseases, nasal congestion, chest pain, skin infections, tuberculosis, respiratory infections, and cough. Phytochemical analysis of H. kraussii demonstrates the presence of acylated flavonol glucoside, diterpenes, flavonoids, phloroglucinol, and terpenoids. The pharmacological assessments indicate that crude extracts and isolated phytochemical compounds from this species possess antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, cytotoxic, and anti-inflammatory activities. This mini review underscores the traditional uses, phytochemical composition, and pharmacological properties of H. kraussii. Based on the findings, it is recommended to conduct comprehensive ethnopharmacological evaluations of H. kraussii, focusing on phytochemistry, pharmacological properties, toxicological assessments, as well as in vivo and clinical research.