Securidaca longipedunculata Fresen (Polygalaceae): a review of its ethnomedicinal uses, phytochemistry, pharmacological properties and toxicology.
BACKGROUND
Securidaca longipedunculata Fresen (Polygalaceae) is a multi-purpose plant with a long history of use in African traditional medicine to treat various sexually transmitted infections, hernias, coughs, fever, ascariasis, constipation, headaches, rheumatism, stomach ache, malaria, tuberculosis, pain, epilepsy, pneumonia, skin infections, and it is also used as an aphrodisiac for men. The current paper provides an overview of the present phytochemistry, toxicology, ethnomedicinal uses and pharmacological properties of S. longipedunculata.


METHODS
The information reported in this paper was collected from a literature search using various computerised databases including ScienceDirect, Scopus, Scielo, PubMed and Google Scholar. The extra information was sourced from various academic dissertations, theses and botanical books.


RESULTS
Phytochemically, extracts from various parts of S. longipedunculata, especially the root bark, contain numerous valuable compounds including xanthones, some benzyl benzoates and triterpene saponins amongst others. Toxicity studies, both in vivo and in vitro, revealed that extracts are only toxic at relatively high concentrations. Furthermore, extracts have antimicrobial, antioxidant, antiparasitic, anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, antimalarial, insecticidal, pesticidal, and anticonvulsant properties.


CONCLUSIONS
S. longipedunculata is an important plant species with potential benefits in the treatment of transmissible and infectious diseases, including malaria, tuberculosis, and those caused by community acquired microorganisms. Although extracts from this species generally have little toxicity at low concentrations, further efforts are required to investigate the potential toxicity of S. longipedunculata. The antimicrobial properties of extracts and purified compounds against microorganisms causing sexually transmitted infections are also deserving of further research. Moreover, the pharmacokinetic properties of extracts and compounds of the species need to be explored as there is insufficient data available on these aspects.
University of South Africa, College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, Private Bag X6, Florida 1710, South Africa; Research Centre for Plant Growth and Development, School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, Private Bag X01, Scottsville 3209, South Africa.
N I
NI
Mongalo
Research Centre for Plant Growth and Development, School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, Private Bag X01, Scottsville 3209, South Africa.
L J
LJ
McGaw
Research Centre for Plant Growth and Development, School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, Private Bag X01, Scottsville 3209, South Africa.
J F
JF
Finnie
Research Centre for Plant Growth and Development, School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, Private Bag X01, Scottsville 3209, South Africa. Electronic address: rcpgd@ukzn.ac.za.
J Van
JV
Staden
D019448:Ethnobotany / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D016488:Medicine, African Traditional / Q000379:methods*; D008517:Phytotherapy / Q000379:methods*; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000627:therapeutic use; D031802:Securidaca / Q000737:chemistry
D010936:Plant Extracts
Pharmacology; Polygalaceae; Securidaca longipedunculata; Toxicology; Xanthones