A narrative review of ethnomedicinal usage, phytochemical constituents, and pharmacological activities of Cryptolepis buchanani Roem. & Schutt. (Asclepiadaceae)

Background

Cryptolepis buchanani Roem. & Schutt. (Asclepiadaceae) used in traditional medicines to cure various illnesses such as rickets in children, bone fractures, paralysis, muscle tension, and arthritis.

Objective

The current review aims to assemble the maximum information possible regarding ethnobotanical usage, phytochemical constituents, and pharmacological activities of this important plant species.

Methodology

The information related to this review was retrieved from various online databases including SCOPUS, Web of Science/Knowledge, PubMed, Elsevier Science Direct, and Mendeley. The taxonomic data was validated through “The World Flora Online” (http://www.worldfloraonline.org/) and “Medicinal Plant Names Services” (http://mpns.kew.org/).

Results

This review revealed that overall, a total number of 48 compounds have been isolated from C.buchanani Roem. & Schutt. belonging to different chemical groups such as alkaloids, flavonoids, fatty acids, phenolics, terpenoids, lignans, tannins, and many others. Although compounds are reported from different parts such as leaf, stem, root, and latex, but highest compounds were from the leaf extract. Moreover, both crude extracts and purified compounds of C.buchanani Roem. & Schutt. are reported to possess a wide range of biological activities such as antioxidant, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, hepatoprotective, anti-rheumatic, anti-osteoporosis, and insecticidal activities.

Conclusion

This collective data on the pharmaceutical potentiality of the plant may facilitate future research in drug discovery.