Pharmacological potential and conservation prospect of the genus Eucomis (Hyacinthaceae) endemic to southern Africa |
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Authors: | Nqobile A. Masondo Jeffrey F. FinnieJohannes Van Staden |
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Affiliation: | Research Centre for Plant Growth and Development, School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal Pietermaritzburg, Private Bag X01, Scottsville 3209, South Africa |
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Abstract: | Ethnopharmacological relevanceThe genus Eucomis (Hyacinthaceae) consists of 10 species that are extensively used in African traditional medicine. This review is an appraisal of current information on the distribution and morphology, traditional uses, pharmacology, toxicology and approaches devised to enhance the conservation of the genus.MethodsA systematic and comprehensive literature search using electronic searches such as Scopus, Google Scholar, Web of Science and ethnobotanical books was conducted.ResultsEvidence from traditional medicine usage shows wide utilization of this genus for ailments such as respiratory, venereal diseases, rheumatism as well as kidney and bladder infections. Pharmacological screening reported antimicrobial, antiplasmodial, antitumor, cytotoxic, phytotoxic and anti-inflammatory properties.ConclusionsThe potential of the genus Eucomis especially in terms of pharmacology cannot be overemphasized. Apart from the anti-inflammatory properties, the antifungal activity of Eucomis remains a valuable reservoir with potential application in the agriculture sector as a source of an affordable biocontrol agent. Based on the speculated toxic constituents in the genus Eucomis, it will be valuable to conduct detailed toxicological studies. Extensive utilization of members of the genus Eucomis is causing severe strain on wild populations. Although conventional propagation has been relatively effective in the alleviation of the declining status, micropropagation of members may be vital to guarantee the conservation of wild populations. |
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Keywords: | 2,4-D, 2,4-Dichlorophenoxy acetic acid 2-iP, N6-Isopentenyladenine ABA, abscisic acid BA, benzyladenine COX, cyclooxygenase DCM, dichloromethane GA3, gibberellic acid GA4+7, GA4 and GA7 gibberellin mixture IAA, indole acetic acid IBA, indole butyric acid IUCN, Conservation of Nature and Natural Resource MeJa, methyl jasmonate MeOH, methanol MIC, minimum inhibitory concentration MS, Murashige and Skoog (1962) mT, meta-Topolin NAA, α-naphthalene acetic acid NSAIDs, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs PAA, phenylacetic acid PBZ, paclobutrazol TPA, 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate |
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