Ethnobotany, phytochemistry and pharmacology of Pseudarthria hookeri: A narrative review

Abstract

Background: Pseudarthria hookeri Wight & Arn. is a well-known and widely used medicinal plant in tropical Africa.

Aim: The current study was aimed at documenting the ethnomedicinal uses, and botanical, phytochemical and pharmacological properties of P. hookeri.

Setting: This review provides an overview of the traditional and medicinal uses of P. hookeri, as well as its botanical, chemical and pharmacological properties.

Method: The literature search on existing information on ethnomedicinal uses, botanical, phytochemical and pharmacological properties of P. hookeri was conducted using online databases such as PubMed^®, Web of Science, SciELO, Google Scholar, ScienceDirect^®, SpringerLink^® and Scopus^® and also pre-electronic literature obtained from the university library.

Results: Pseudarthria hookeri is used as aphrodisiac and ethnoveterinary medicine, and as traditional medicine for female reproductive problems, malaria, gastro-intestinal problems, respiratory infections, liver and skin problems. Chemical compounds identified from P. hookeri include flavonoids, acetate, anthraquinones, coumaronochromones, ether, oligothiophene, phenolic acid, alkaloids, catechic tannins, polyphenols, polyterpenes, quinones, saponosides and sterols. Pseudarthria hookeri crude extracts and some chemical compounds isolated from the species demonstrated anti-anaemic, antibacterial, antifungal, antidiabetic, antioxidant, antiplasmodial, antiproliferative, antischistosomal, oestrogenic and larvicidal activities.

Conclusion: This review highlights the need for detailed ethnopharmacological assessments of P. hookeri focussing on its phytochemical, biological and toxicological properties, in vivo and clinical studies.

Contribution: Pseudarthria hookeri is an important medicinal plant and has potential as a source of health and pharmaceutical products.