Open AccessMedicinal uses, phytochemistry and biological activities of Ehretia obtusifolia Hochst. ex DC. (Ehretiaceae)
Author(s) -
Alfred Maroyi
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
international journal of research in pharmaceutical sciences
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 0975-7538
DOI - 10.26452/ijrps.v12i2.4688
Subject(s) - phytochemistry , phytochemical , traditional medicine , terpenoid , bark (sound) , biology , astringent , botany , medicine , ecology , food science , taste
Ehretia obtusifolia Hochst. ex DC. is a shrub or small tree which occurs naturally in tropical Africa and Asia. This study aims to provide some information about the medicinal uses, phytochemistry and biological activities of E. obtusifolia. This review examines the existing literature on the medicinal uses, phytochemistry and biological activities of E. obtusifolia. This study revealed that the bark, branch, fruit, leaf, root, stem, stem bark and twig decoction or infusion of E. obtusifolia are mainly used to treat and manage sore throat, retained placenta in both humans and animals, teething pain, toothache, abdominal pains, menstrual problems and pain. Phytochemical research revealed that the species is characterized by alkaloids, flavonoids, glycosides, phenolics, phlobatannin, saponin, steroids, tannins and terpenoids. Ethnopharmacological research revealed that the extracts and phytochemical compounds isolated from the species showed antibacterial, anti-diarrhoeal, anti-inflammatory, antinociceptive, antioxidant, cytotoxicity and phytotoxicity activities. Ehretia obtusifolia should be subjected to detailed phytochemical, biological and toxicological studies.