Ethnopharmacology, Phytochemistry, and Global Distribution of Mangroves―A Comprehensive Review

Abstract

Mangroves are ecologically important plants in marine habitats that occupy the coastlines of many countries. In addition to their key ecological importance, various parts of mangroves are widely used in folklore medicine and claimed to effectively manage a panoply of human pathologies. To date, no comprehensive attempt has been made to compile and critically analyze the published literature in light of its ethnopharmacological uses. This review aims to provide a comprehensive account of the morphological characteristics, ethnobotany, global distribution, taxonomy, ethnopharmacology, phytochemical profiles, and pharmacological activities of traditionally used mangroves. Out of 84 mangrove species, only 27 species were found to be traditionally used, however not all of them are pharmacologically validated. The most common pharmacological activities reported were antioxidant, antimicrobial, and antidiabetic properties. Mangroves traditionally reported against ulcers have not been extensively validated for possible pharmacological properties. Terpenoids, tannins, steroids, alkaloids, flavonoids, and saponins were the main classes of phytochemicals isolated from mangroves. Given that mangroves have huge potential for a wide array of medicinal products and drug discovery to prevent and treat many diseases, there is a dire need for careful investigations substantiated with accurate scientific and clinical evidence to ensure safety and efficient use of these plants and validate their pharmacological properties and toxicity.

Bridelia speciosa Müll.Arg. Stem bark Extracts as a Potential Biomedicine: From Tropical Western Africa to the Pharmacy Shelf

“…Mallotinic acid or its isomer, a hydrolyzable tannin [32] having [M − H] − at m/z 801, was identified from the methanol and water extracts. Bruguierol A ([M + H] + at m/z 191), a dammarane triterpene [33] and Prodelphinidin B ([M − H] − at m/z 609), a polymeric tannin composed of gallocatechin, were characterized from the ethyl acetate and methanol extracts of B. speciosa stem bark. Tryptamine, which is a monoamine alkaloid, having [M − H] − at m/z 161, was identified from the methanol extract of B. speciosa stem bark only.…”

Identification of Chemical Profiles and Biological Properties of Rhizophora racemosa G. Mey. Extracts Obtained by Different Methods and Solvents

“…However, most of these traditional beliefs have not been verified yet, which subsequently triggers a dire need for a thorough investigation. Indeed, as supported by one of our recent comprehensive review on mangroves, it is mentioned that although a total of 84 mangrove species are recorded to-date, only 27 of them have been validated for their pharmaceutical effects [4].…”

Streptomyces sp. Strain MUSC 125 from Mangrove Soil in Malaysia with Anti-MRSA, Anti-Biofilm and Antioxidant Activities

“…Hence, mangrove ecosystems are regarded as a "productive" ecosystem whereby the residing microorganisms develop physiological functions that enable the production of enzymes and molecules to cope with the harsh conditions [22]. A rich biodiversity translates to a rich chemical diversity, and this is evidenced in that various resources are derived from mangroves and utilized in traditional medicines [23]. The microbiological diversity in the mangrove soil, particularly the Streptomyces, and their biosynthetic potentials remain underexplored [24].…”