Ruscus Genus: A Rich Source of Bioactive Steroidal Saponins.
The genusRuscus(Asparagaceae family) is native to the Mediterranean, Southern and Western Europe and is represented by perennial, rhizomatous, and evergreen shrubs. Among the approximately seven species spread throughout Europe up to Iran,Ruscus aculeatusL. (butcher's broom) is the most widely distributed and appreciated. This review provides an overview of the traditional use ofRuscusspp., the current knowledge of the chemistry of this genus, and the pharmacological studies carried out onRuscusspp. extracts. The underground parts ofRuscusplants are a source of steroidal saponins that can be classified into two structural classes: the hexacyclic spirostanol saponins and the pentacyclic furostanol saponins. The main aglycones are ruscogenin and neoruscogenin. From the pharmacological point of view, the most studiedRuscusspecies is undoubtedlyR. aculeatus, a very ancient phlebotherapeutic agent. Pharmacological investigations since the discovery of the vasoconstrictive and venotonic properties of ruscogenin and neoruscogenin in the underground parts ofR. aculeatusare discussed. Preparations based onRuscusspecies are currently used for the treatment of chronic venous insufficiency, varicose veins, haemorrhoids, and orthostatic hypotension. Finally, analytical techniques for the quality control ofR. aculeatusextracts are reported.
Dipartimento di Farmacia, Università degli Studi di Salerno, Fisciano (SA), Italy.
Milena
M
Masullo
Dipartimento di Farmacia, Università degli Studi di Salerno, Fisciano (SA), Italy.
Cosimo
C
Pizza
Dipartimento di Farmacia, Università degli Studi di Salerno, Fisciano (SA), Italy.
Sonia
S
Piacente
D000070357:Asparagaceae / Q000737:chemistry*; D019906:Nuclear Magnetic Resonance, Biomolecular; D064209:Phytochemicals / Q000737:chemistry / Q000302:isolation & purification / Q000494:pharmacology*; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000737:chemistry; D010946:Plants, Medicinal / Q000737:chemistry*; D012503:Saponins / Q000737:chemistry / Q000302:isolation & purification / Q000494:pharmacology*
D064209:Phytochemicals; D010936:Plant Extracts; D012503:Saponins