Gardenia gummifera Linn.: An Underexplored Medicinal Plant with Promising Antibacterial and Other Pharmacological Potential

Abstract

Gardenia gummifera Linn. is a traditionally important medicinal plant with various medicinal applications in Ayurveda and is widely used. The main objective of this review is to compile the phytochemical composition, ethnobotanical uses, and pharmacological properties. Major scientific databases were used to source relevant information on its biological properties and chemical constituents using an extensive literature survey. The plant is a source of bioactive compounds like flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins, terpenoids, saponins, and glycosides, and is thus endowed with a variety of therapeutic activities. In vitro and in vivo studies have reported antioxidant, antimicrobial, antidiabetic, hepatoprotective, cardioprotective, anticancer, and anthelmintic properties being reported. However, the traditional applications of its gum resin, "dikamali," for gastrointestinal, neurological, and skin diseases emphasize its medicinal value. Nevertheless, although promising results have been observed in most studies, they are still preclinical, and further studies are required into detailed mechanistic investigations, toxicity studies, and well-designed clinical trials. In conclusion, G. gummifera is a promising source of new bioactive compounds with various potential applications in the pharmaceutical industry and could be the subject of additional research and development.