Dendropanax Morbiferus and Other Species from the Genus Dendropanax: Therapeutic Potential of Its Traditional Uses, Phytochemistry, and Pharmacology

Abstract

The Dendropanax genus is a kind of flowering plant in the family of Araliaceae that encompasses approximately 91 to 95 species. Several Dendropanax species are used as traditional medicinal plants, extensively used Korea and South America and other parts of the world. Almost every part of the plant, including the leaves, bark, roots, and stems, can be used as traditional medicine for the prevention and management of a broad spectrum of health disorders. This paper sought to summarizes the ethnopharmacological benefits, biological activities, and phytochemical investigations of plants from the genus Dendropanax, and perhaps to subsequently elucidate potential new perspectives for future pharmacological research to consider. Modern scientific literature suggests that plants of the Dendropanax genus, together with active compounds isolated from it, possess a wide range of therapeutic and pharmacological applications, including antifungal, anti-complement, antioxidant, antibacterial, insect antifeedant, cytotoxic, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, anti-diabetic, anti-cancer, and anti-hypouricemic properties. The botanical descriptions of approximately six to 10 species are provided by different scientific web sources. However, only six species, namely, D. morbiferus, D. gonatopodus, D. dentiger, D. capillaris, D. chevalieri, and D. arboreus, were included in the present investigation to undergo phytochemical evaluation, due to the unavailability of data for the remaining species. Among these plant species, a high concentration of variable bioactive ingredients was identified. In particular, D. morbifera is a traditional medicinal plant used for the multiple treatment purposes and management of several human diseases or health conditions. Previous experimental evidence supports that the D. morbifera species could be used to treat various inflammatory disorders, diarrhea, diabetes, cancer, and some microbial infections. It has recently been reported, by our group and other researchers, that D. morbifera possesses a neuroprotective and memory-enhancing agent. A total of 259 compounds have been identified among six species, with 78 sourced from five of these species reported to be bioactive. However, there is no up-to-date information concerning the D. morbifera, its different biological properties, or its prospective benefits in the enhancement of human health. In the present study, we set out to conduct a comprehensive analysis of the botany, traditional medicinal history, and medicinal resources of species of the Dendropanax genus. In addition, we explore several phytochemical constituents identified in different species of the Dendropanax genus and their biological properties. Finally, we offer comprehensive analysis findings of the phytochemistry, medicinal uses, pharmacological actions, and a toxicity and safety evaluation of the D. morbifera species and its main bioactive ingredients for future consideration.

Synergistic Protection by Isoquercitrin and Quercetin against Glutamate-Induced Oxidative Cell Death in HT22 Cells via Activating Nrf2 and HO-1 Signaling Pathway: Neuroprotective Principles and Mechanisms of Dendropanax morbifera Leaves

“…These are natural polyphenol compounds such as flavonols, flavonol glycosides, and phenolic acids. The others have already been reported in DM, but to our knowledge, this is the first report of the extraction and identification of isoquercitrin and hyperoside in DM [ 18 ].…”

“…Leaves and other parts of DM have been used as a cure for the treatment of skin diseases, infectious diseases, headaches, and other symptoms [ 17 ]. Diverse phytochemicals and pharmacological efficacies of DM have been summarized in a recently published review article [ 18 ]. Hundreds of chemicals, including phenolic compounds, polyacetylenes, flavonoids, tannins, essential oils, terpenoids, and alkaloids have been isolated and identified in DM.…”

In Vivo Evaluation of Dendropanax morbifera Leaf Extract for Anti-Obesity and Cholesterol-Lowering Activity in Mice

“…In addition, it is recognized as the most important mechanism for indicating the degree of tissue damage or physiological phenomena caused by various toxic compounds, drugs, and diseases. This contributes to increasing the oxidative stress of cells in tissues and lowering the antioxidant defense power in vivo [ 7 ]. Moreover, SOD is primarily involved in cell defense against oxidative damage caused by superoxide anion radicals by converting the two molecules of superoxide anion into hydrogen peroxide and oxygen molecules [ 17 ].…”

“…D. morbifera reduces the levels of bad cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood and provides a variety of antioxidant nutrients and germicidal substances, as well as selenium, which aids in the removal of active oxygen [ 6 ]. Therefore, D. morbifera is useful for treating cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and diabetes [ 7 ]. D. morbifera produces a yellowish resinous liquid when the bark of the tree is scratched [ 8 ].…”

“…Conversely, the essential oil component of the D. morbifera tree induces a beneficial effect on lipids by decreasing total cholesterol (TC), LDL cholesterol, and triglyceride (TG) and increasing HDL cholesterol in mice [ 11 ]. Although there are some studies on the efficacy of D. morbifera , research on the therapeutic efficacy and mechanism of action is limited, and there is little research on the possibility of practical use as food [ 7 ].…”