From Traditional Usage to Pharmacological Evidence: Systematic Review ofGunnera perpensaL.

Abstract

Gunnera perpensa is the only species of the genus Gunnera that has been recorded in Africa. Its leaves, rhizomes, roots, and stems are reported to possess diverse medicinal properties and used to treat or manage various human and animal diseases and ailments. Gunnera perpensa is an ingredient in many herbal concoctions and prescriptions which have been used to induce or augment labour, postnatal medication, to treat parasitic diseases, urinary complaints, kidney problems, general body pains, sexually transmitted infections, and many other diseases. Several classes of phytochemicals including alkaloids, benzoquinones, ellagic acids, flavonoids, phenols, proanthocyanidins, tannins, and minerals have been isolated from G. perpensa. Scientific studies on G. perpensa indicate that it has a wide range of pharmacological activities including acetylcholinesterase, anthelmintic, antibacterial, antifungal, antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antitumour, lactogenic, and uterotonic. Gunnera perpensa has a lot of potential as a possible source of pharmaceutical products for the treatment of a wide range of both human and animal diseases and ailments. Some of the chemical compounds isolated from G. perpensa have demonstrated various biological activities when investigated in in vitro assays. Future research should focus on the mechanisms of action of the isolated compounds, their efficacy, toxicity, and clinical relevance.

Review of Medicinal Uses, Phytochemistry, and Pharmacological Properties of Drimia Elata

“…A similar trend was observed for COX-2 enzyme with inhibition levels ranging from 52.8% to 91.2% [83]. These findings support the traditional use of D. elata as herbal medicine for back pain [39], body pains [2,3],inflammation [51], muscle pain [41], pain [43,46,51], and swelling [39]. , and Hypoxis hemerocallidea (corm) using the DPPH free radical scavenging assay and ferric reducing power with L-ascorbic acid as the positive control.…”

“…[2,3]. The concoction is used as an energizing and detoxifying tonic used against general body pains, stress, constipation, arthritis, kidney problems, high blood pressure, and to increase sexual prowess [2,3]. D. elata is also an ingredient of "intelezi," whose plant species composition varies from region to region of South Africa.…”

In vitro Antibacterial, Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Senecio asperulus and Gunnera perpensa from Mohale's Hoek, Lesotho

“…The genus Senecio is known to be rich in flavonoids 25 and Gunnera perpensa is the only species from the Gunnera genus which has flavonoids. 26 Flavonoids are known to have very strong antioxidant activities. 27,28 Tannins are known as water-soluble phenolic compounds and were present in both plant species aqueous extracts.…”

Scabiosa Columbaria: A Review of Its Medicinal Uses, Phytochemistry, and Biological Activities

“…Moffett and Cussonia paniculata Thunb. as herbal medicine for menstrual problems [54][55][56][57][58][59]. The roots of S. columbaria are mixed with those of S. divaricata and C. paniculata and used as colic [54].…”