Barleria cristata: perspective towards phytopharmacological aspects

Abstract

Objectives Barleria cristata (Family: Acanthaceae), commonly known as Philippine violet, is used in different ethnomedical systems for the treatment of a wide range of ailments. This review aimed to provide a scientific overview of B. cristata with reference to its ethnobotanical aspects, geographical distribution, medicinal uses, phytochemistry and pharmacological activity, and critical analyses research gaps and future research opportunities for investigations on this plant. Key findings Ethnomedical uses of the plant have been observed in lungs disorders, inflammatory conditions, toothache, anaemia, snake bite, diabetes and tuberculosis. The exhaustive bibliographic research carried out on this plant revealed that the plant parts are rich in various phytochemical constituents including triterpenes, phenolic compounds, glycosides and flavonoids type phenolic compounds. Furthermore, the plant was also investigated in terms of its anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antidiabetic, antifungal, hepatoprotective and antioxidant activity. Conclusions This review confirms that B. cristata is a potential herb for the treatment of a wide range of diseases especially lung disorders and inflammatory conditions. Modern pharmacological studies have also validated many ethnobotanical uses of B. cristata, though data regarding many aspects of this plant such as mechanism of action, adverse effects of extracts and active compounds are still limited which call for additional studies.

Prospective Asian plants with corroborated antiviral potentials: Position standing in recent years

“…Acorus calamus is a popular traditional Chinese medicinal plant, and its root is historically used to treat neurodegenerative diseases, and for cholera treatment. It also possesses antimicrobial properties [ 24 ]. A. calamus is a native of central Asia, and eastern Europe is indigenous to the marshes of the mountains of India [ 25 ].…”

“…It is a commonly cultivated plant used for ornamental purposes, and it was recently established in Southeast Asia, South China, subtropical and tropical regions of India. It is also used in different ethnomedical systems for the treatment of a wide range of diseases [ 24 ].…”

“…Iridoid glycosides such as 6-O-trans-p-coumaroyl-8-O-acetylshanzhiside methyl ester and (its cis isomer as well) were discovered from the plant [ 38 ]. Ethanolic extract contains phenylethanoid glycosides which includes β-[(30,40-dihydroxyphenyl)-ethyl]-(4″-O-caffeoyl)- β-D-glucoside (desrhamnosylacteoside), β-[(30,40-dihydroxyphenyl)-ethyl]-(3″,6″-O-L-dirhamnosyl)-(4″-O-caffeoyl)-β-D-glucoside and β-[(30,40dihydroxyphenyl)-ethyl]- (3″-O-L-rhamnosyl)-(4″-O-caffeoyl)-β-D-glucoside (acteoside) (poliumoside) phenylethanoid glycosides [ 24 ].…”

Phytochemicals and Biological Activities of Barleria (Acanthaceae)

“…The name Barleria was provided by a French botanist and Dominican monk, Jacques Barrelier (1606–1673), who dedicated his spare time to botany [ 34 ]. Barleria is the third largest genus in the family Acanthaceae after Justicia and Ruellia [ 35 , 36 , 37 ], and it is the most species-rich genus in Barlerieae [ 38 ]. This genus includes approximately 300 species of shrubs and herbs that are distributed in the subtropical and tropical regions of the world [ 39 , 40 , 41 , 42 , 43 ].…”

“…These structures are scattered over the leaf lamina and often lie parallel on the midrib [ 49 , 50 , 51 ]. Several species of Barleria are known for their medicinal or ornamental values [ 37 , 52 , 53 ]. There have been studies reviewing the traditional, phytochemical and pharmacological properties of specific species of Barleria (e.g., B. lupulina and B. prionitis ) [ 54 , 55 , 56 ], however none have comprehensively reported on species within Barleria using exisiting literature in a clear and concise manner.…”