Trigonostemon species in south China: Insights on its chemical constituents towards pharmacological applications

Abstract

Ethnopharmacology relevance: The Euphorbiaceae family, which contains about 300 genera and more than 5000 species, is widely distributed in different regions. Trigonostemon genus comprises a wide group of tropical and temperate plants belonging to the Euphorbiaceae family. This genus includes at least 50 species throughout tropical Asia, extending from India and Sri Lanka to New Guinea. They have been employed by local populations for the treatment of asthma, poisonous snake bites, and food poisoning.

Aim of the review: The main aim of the review is to critically analyze the reported traditional uses, bioactive chemical constituents and pharmacological activities of Trigonostemon species.

Materials and methods: Scientific databases, including Google Scholar, PubMed, CNKI, SpringerLink, Web of Science, Wiley Online Library and SciFinder, were searched using keywords such as "Trigonostemon", "South China", "chemical constituents", or "traditional use". Thus, available articles from 2000 to 2020 were collected and analyzed.

Results and discussion: This paper provides systematic data that Trigonostemon species possess a diverse phytochemical composition, (including diterpenes, alkaloids, coumarins, lignins, sesquiterpenes, triterpenoids, flavonoids, and polyphenols) found in different plant organs. Research on Trigonostemon plants has revealed critical therapeutic properties, such as antiviral, anti-tumor, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and insecticidal activities.

Conclusions: It is envisaged that the current review will add value to more scientific research on Trigonostemon species and enhance/promote the increased interest in the sustainable use of Trigonostemon species as well as lead to the validation of unverified ethnobotanical claims. Future studies on Trigonostemon species would focus on establishing the links between the traditional uses, active compounds and reported pharmacological activities.

Keywords: Antiviral activity; Daphnane-type diterpenoid; Trigonostemon; β-carboline alkaloid.