Paracalyx scariosus (Roxb.) Ali: Ethnobotanical Significance, Phytochemistry, and Pharmacological Perspectives
TL;DR
The available bioactive constituents in P. scariosus warrant further study as a potential source of bioactive plant products; however, the majority of the evidence is from in vitro and animal studies.
Abstract
This article provides an overview of the ethnobotanical importance, phytochemistry, and evidence of the pharmacological use of Paracalyx scariosus (Roxb.). Ali. in ethnomedicine. This review provides information regarding the historical uses of this plant, as well as scientific evidence supporting its traditional uses. Historically, the ethnomedicinal use of P. scariosus has included several applications such as management of cirrhosis, fluid retention (dropsy), digestive problems, snake and dog bites, fevers, diarrhea, hemorrhoids, nephritis, rheumatism, and bronchitis. To date, research has been limited mostly to the initial phase of exploring phytochemistry and preclinical pharmacology. Experimental results from trials have shown that extracts from the plant exhibit antioxidant, hepatoprotective, neuroprotective, antidepressantlike, and anxiolytic-like properties. Several bioactive compounds have been identified through phytochemical testing of P. scariosus, such as rutin, quercetin, kaempferol, kaempferol-3-Orutinoside, and prenylated flavonoids, including scariosin and isorhynchospermin. The seeds have also been found to contain proteins, carbohydrates, alkaloids, and saponins, as well as amino acids such as tyrosine, L-Dopa, and hydrogen cyanide. Based on preliminary findings, the available bioactive constituents in P. scariosus warrant further study as a potential source of bioactive plant products; however, the majority of the evidence is from in vitro and animal studies. Future work is needed to standardize phytochemicals, explore their mechanisms of action, evaluate toxicity, and conduct clinical validation for therapeutic use.