Medicinal uses, phytochemistry and biological activities of Ehretia obtusifolia Hochst. ex DC. (Ehretiaceae)

Alfred Maroyi (1)
(1) Department of Botany, University of Fort Hare, Private Bag X1314, Alice 5770, South Africa, South Africa

Abstract

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.

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Authors

Alfred Maroyi
amaroyi@ufh.ac.za (Primary Contact)
Alfred Maroyi. (2021). Medicinal uses, phytochemistry and biological activities of Ehretia obtusifolia Hochst. ex DC. (Ehretiaceae). International Journal of Research in Pharmaceutical Sciences, 12(2), 1345–1352. Retrieved from https://ijrps.com/home/article/view/192

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