Genus Periploca (Apocynaceae): A Review of Its Classification, Phytochemistry, Biological Activities and Toxicology

Abstract

The genus Periploca belongs to the family Apocynaceae, which is composed of approximately ten species of plants according to incomplete statistics. Most of these plants serve as folk medicines with a long history, especially Periploca sepium and Periploca forrestii. The botanical classifications, chemical constituents, biological activities and toxicities of the genus Periploca were summarized in the literature from 1897 to early 2019. Though the botanical classification of this genus is controversial, these species are well-known to be rich sources of diverse and complex natural products—above all, cardiac steroids and C21 pregnane steroids with special structures and obvious pharmacological activities. The various crude extracts and 314 isolated metabolites from this genus have attracted much attention in intensive biological studies, indicating that they are equipped with cardiotonic, anti-inflammatory, immunosuppressive, antitumor, antimicrobial, antioxidant, insecticidal and other properties. It is noteworthy that some cardiac glycosides showed hepatotoxicity and cardiotoxicity at certain doses. Therefore, in view of the medical and agricultural value of the genus Periploca, in-depth investigations of the pharmacology in vivo, the mechanisms of biological actions, and the pharmacokinetics of the active ingredients should be carried out in the future. Moreover, in order to ensure the safety of clinical medication, the potential toxicities of cardiac glycosides or other compounds should also be paid attention. This systematic review provides an important reference base for applied research on pharmaceuticals and pesticides from this genus.

Botanical Drugs in Traditional Chinese Medicine With Wound Healing Properties

“…Periploca forrestii Schltr [Apocynaceae] is a Chinese folk medicine, which has been historically used for the treatment of traumatic injuries ( Huang M. et al, 2019 ). Recently, the molecular mechanism of its wound healing activities and the active components of it were revealed by the Liu’s group ( Chen et al, 2018 ; Li Y. et al, 2019 ; Chen et al, 2019 ).…”

Phytochemicals of Periploca aphylla Dcne. ameliorated streptozotocin-induced diabetes in rat

“…The genus Periploca belongs to family Apocynaceae with ten species. Species of Periploca are utilized worldwide by local communities for diverse disorders for their cardiotonic, anti-inflammatory, immunosuppressive, antitumor, antimicrobial, antioxidant, and other properties [ 9 ]. In Pakistan, this genus is presented by three species: P. aphylla , P. hydaspidis , and P. forrestii .…”

Dual targets of lethal apoptosis and protective autophagy in liver cancer with periplocymarin elicit a limited therapeutic effect

“…Cortex periplocae, an herbal medicine, is the dried root bark of Periploca sepium of the Asclepiadaceae family, and contains numerous active ingredients, including cardiac glycosides (CGs), sterols, glycosides, esters and aldehydes that are used clinically to treat heart failure and relieve associated symptoms ( 6 , 7 ). Periplocin is one of the main and active constituents isolated from cortex periplocae.…”