An updated overview of the botanical characteristics, geographical distribution, cultivation conditions, phytochemical composition, nutritional value, and biological activities of the plant, with particular emphasis on recent advances in nanoformulations, biomedical applications, hemocompatibility, and recent pharmacological advances are provided.
Abstract
The growing scientific interest in medicinal and nutritionally valuable plants has highlighted the importance of Trigonella foenum-graecum (fenugreek), a species widely recognized for its diverse phytochemical, nutritional, and pharmacological significance. This member of the legume family is an annual self-pollinating herb widely cultivated across Mediterranean, Asian, African, and other regions due to its adaptability to different climatic conditions and its ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen. It is also traditionally used in culinary and medicinal traditional practices, particularly as spice and functional food ingredients. This review provides an updated overview of the botanical characteristics, geographical distribution, cultivation conditions, phytochemical composition, nutritional value, and biological activities of the plant, with particular emphasis on recent advances in nanoformulations, biomedical applications, hemocompatibility, and recent pharmacological advances. The seeds and leaves contain proteins, dietary fibers, minerals, vitamins, and various bioactive compounds such as saponins, flavonoids, alkaloids, polyphenols, and galactomannans, which have been reported to exhibit antioxidant, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antilipidemic, antimicrobial effects, as well as low hemolytic activity. By integrating recent findings on fenugreek characteristics, phytochemistry, and biological activities, this review provides an updated perspective on its scientific relevance and ethnobotanical applications.
In terms of pharmacological and economic relevance, the Citrus genus (Rutaceae family) is one of the most important families of fruit-bearing plants worldwide. Among the lesser explored of its members, a citrus plant which is often considered a wild or pseudo-lemon, Citrus pseudolimon, because of its rich phytochemical content is traditionally used in different indigenous medicine to treat metabolic, infectious, inflammatory and gastrointestinal disorders and it is currently being tested through the modern phytochemical and pharmacological systems. The plant is reported to have various groups of bioactive compounds, such as flavonoids, phenolic acids, limonoids, alkaloids, terpenoids, essential oils, coumarins, and vitamins, which occur unevenly in its fruits, peels, leaves, seeds, and bark. Solvents of various polarities have been used to prepare extracts that have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, anti-diabetic, hepatoprotective, anti obesity, anti-cancer and cardioprotective properties in in-vitro and in-vivo experimental models. Despite these encouraging data, there is no systematic review of literature that consolidates already obtained information on the phytochemistry and pharmacology of C. pseudolimon. This review critically summarizes and analyzes the published data on the qualitative and quantitative phytochemical profile of various parts of C. pseudolimon and compares them with known pharmacological activities. The focus is made on the methods of extraction, phytochemical yields of specific solvents, traditional and ethnomedicinal applications, and biological effects confirmed experimentally. This review will form the basis of a reference framework for additional drug discovery, nutraceutical development and functional food applications based on C. pseudolimon can be supported by combining traditional knowledge with present scientific evidence.
Unknown authors· Genetics and Molecular Resea...· 0 citations
Citrullus colocynthis (L.) Schrad., a drought-tolerant member of the Cucurbitaceae family, has been used in traditional medicine for centuries and has recently attracted increasing interest because of its potential pharmacological, agricultural, and ecological applications. This review examines current information on the plant’s distribution, ethnomedicinal uses, phytochemical composition, biological activities, applications in poultry, and ecological significance. Its bioactive constituents include cucurbitacins, flavonoids, phenolic compounds, alkaloids, glycosides, fatty acids, and tocopherols. These compounds have been associated with anticancer, antidiabetic, antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, hepatoprotective, and other biological activities, although most of the available evidence comes from in-vitro and preclinical studies. Initial findings also indicate that the plant may have value as a phytogenic feed additive in poultry and as a drought-tolerant species for soil stabilization, rangeland rehabilitation, and desertification control. However, the practical application of these findings is still constrained by differences in research methods, variation in phytochemical composition, limited clinical evidence, and the plant’s narrow therapeutic window and dose-dependent toxicity. Consequently, its therapeutic effectiveness and suitability for routine agricultural use cannot yet be established with certainty. Future research should focus on phytochemical standardization, quality control, thorough toxicological assessment, mechanistic studies, and well-designed clinical and animal trials using standardized preparations. Collectively, the available evidence indicates that C. colocynthis is a promising source of bioactive compounds with potential pharmaceutical, veterinary, and ecological applications, although rigorous scientific validation is required before its safe and effective utilization can be recommended.
Hanan Al-Khalaifah, T. Al-Surrayai, S. Shreaz et al.· Biology· 0 citations
Cicer arietinum L. (chickpea) is a valuable source of nutrition comprising various bioactive compounds. The seeds of this legume plant are a rich source of protein, carbohydrates, fiber, minerals, vitamins and unsaturated fats. They also contain phenolic acids, flavonoids, saponins, tannins, carotenoids and other phytochemicals. The bioactive compounds found in chickpeas are promising due to their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, cardioprotective, anticarcinogenic and gastroprotective effects. Researchers have proved the ability of chickpeas to improve glucose and lipid metabolism, as well as intestinal function and reduce oxidative stress and inflammation. So that, this legume product can be considered a functional food with a noteworthy impact on human health, particularly in the prevention of chronic diseases. However, the processing methods, including soaking, germination, cooking, roasting, fermentation, and milling, can significantly affect the composition and content of phytochemicals. Despite the existing data on the impact of C. arietinum on human health, it is necessary to conduct further studies. In particularly, the need for deep understanding of the physiological effects. Besides, it needs to be analyzed the impact of most common processing technologies on the chemical composition of chickpeas.
Ramesh K Lakshmaiah, Shivakumar Venkataramaiah, Devaraja Sannaningaiah· Advanced International Journ...· 0 citations
This review provides a comprehensive overview of the phytochemical composition, biological activities, and bioeconomic potential of five selected woody species occurring in the Karditsa region and identifies future research directions for the sustainable exploitation of selected woody flora from the Karditsa region.
Christos Chiolos, V. Athanasiadis, Ekaterini Koura et al.· Applied Sciences· 0 citations
Moringa oleifera L. (family: Moringaceae) is a highly effective therapeutic herb with tremendous nutritional value. It is
an edible herb and cheaply grows in tropical areas of India, Pakistan and Bangladesh. It considers as a super food because
consists phenolic acids, zeatin, β-carotene, flavonoids, quercetin, phenolic compounds and isothiocyanates. M. oleifera is
also a source of micro and macro nutrients like phosphorus, potassium, iron, calcium, carbohydrate, protein that helps in
proper functioning of body. Various parts of moringa such as root, bark, seed buds, stem, leaves are having different
biological actions described as anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, anti-hyperlipidaemic, cytotoxic, anti-diabetic,
antimicrobial effects helpful in various disorders treatment. According to largest studies Moringa oleifera employed as
potential ingredient of food. This review emphasized on therapeutic, medicinal as well as edible properties of Moringa
oleifera by gaining novel opinion for future researches and developments.
Sumita Kumari, Navgeet Kaur, Sonia Yadav et al.· International Journal of Dru...· 0 citations
This review consolidates current knowledge on the phytochemical composition, traditional uses, pharmacological properties, and industrial application of Ricinus communis L. This plant belongs to the Euphorbiaceae family and is a globally distributed plant of considerable medicinal and industrial importance. It is rich in bioactive compounds, notably ricinoleic acid as the dominant fatty acid in seed oil, as well as ricin, ricinine, phenolic acids and flavonoids distributed across different plant parts. Variations in phytochemical profiles among cultivars and tissues are influenced by genetic and environmental influences. Traditional medicinal uses of the leaves, roots, seeds, and oil, particularly for inflammatory conditions, pain, infections, wound healing, and gastrointestinal disorders, are critically examined in relation to experimental pharmacological evidence. Castor oil extracted from the R. communis plant remains central to the plant’s industrial value, serving as a renewable feedstock for pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, polymers, lubricants, and biofuels due to the unique hydroxyl functionality of ricinoleic acid. However, the presence of the highly toxic protein ricin in unprocessed seeds necessitates strict processing and safety controls. Overall, R. communis emerges as a chemically versatile species with significant therapeutic and industrial potential, warranting further research into cultivar-specific chemistry, standardization of extraction and testing methods, and safe value-adding applications.
Sinovuyo Mtendwa, Pamela Rungqu, V. Maqanda· Pharmaceuticals· 0 citations