SterculiaandBrachychiton: a comprehensive overview on their ethnopharmacology, biological activities, phytochemistry and the role of their gummy exudates in drug delivery

Abstract

Objectives Sterculia and Brachychiton are two related genera (Malvaceae) containing more than 300 species. Most of these species are ornamental trees that are native to Australia and widely cultivated in many countries. Different members of the two genera were used by various cultures for medicinal and economical purposes. This review sheds light on the medicinal values and chemical composition of various species of these two genera. Key findings Sterculia and Brachychiton species were used traditionally for the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders, microbial infection, skin diseases, inflammation and many other conditions. The seeds of various species were roasted and eaten by many traditional tribes. Plants from the two genera revealed their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, antidiabetic, antiulcer, insecticidal and analgesic activity. These activities may be attributed to the presence of a wide range of secondary metabolites as flavonoids, phenolic acids, coumarins, terpenoids particularly sesquiterpenes and triterpenes in addition to sterols and fatty acids. Moreover, the gummy exudates obtained from some members of these genera played an important role in different pharmaceutical dosage forms and drug-delivery systems. Conclusions More research is recommended on other species of Sterculia and Brachychiton to discover new molecular entities with potential biological and economic values.

Water-soluble exudates from seeds of Kochia scoparia exhibit antifungal activity against Colletotrichum graminicola

“…The seed stage of the plant growth cycle is critical to plant establishment [1], yet relatively few studies have investigated seed-derived chemicals beyond their important role in plant development. Seed exudates are known to have natural bioactive compounds that consist of complex mixtures of molecules [2], and are recognized for their protective role against soil pathogens during germination [3–5], affecting microbial growth [6–11], allelopathic interactions [12], and pharmaceutical and industrial product development [13–15]. In contrast to root exudate studies where the importance of chemicals in the interactions between plants, soil and microbes are well known [16–18], the significance of seed exudates in the spermosphere is still not well-studied and few investigations have been made on the extent of these bioactive compounds in plant species considered invasive or weedy.…”

Anti-Inflammatory Medicinal Plants of Bangladesh—A Pharmacological Evaluation

“…S. villosa is a deciduous small to large tree found in tropical and subtropical countries, including Bangladesh, India, Sri Lanka, and southern China ( Hossain M. K. et al, 2012 ; Hossain et al, 2016 ). This plant has received special importance for its anti-inflammatory ethnomedicinal value besides many other traditional uses ( Namsa et al, 2009 ; Thabet et al, 2018 ). Along with different bioactive molecules such as chrysoeriol, chrysoeriol 7-O-β-D-glucoside, diosmetin, etc., anti-inflammatory lupeol ( 23 ) ( Figure 8 ) has also been reported from S. villosa ( Seetharaman, 1990 ; Das et al, 2017 ).…”

Efficacy of Sterculia diversifolia Leaf Extracts: Volatile Compounds, Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Activity, and Green Synthesis of Potential Antibacterial Silver Nanoparticles

“…The plant, which varies in size from being a small shrub to up to 20 m in height, was introduced in Jordan and is an attractive ornamental tree along roadsides. Although Sterculia diversifolia is a synonym for Brachychiton populneus according to the global plants database [ 4 ], variation based on the botanical examination of the seeds and follicles led some researchers to speculate that Brachychiton may be treated as an independent genus [ 5 ].…”

“…MNPs have also been used efficiently as antimicrobial agents; an example is the use of AgNPs synthesized using Salvia spinosa plant extract [ 10 ]. The phytochemicals flavonoids, sterols, saponins, triterpenoids, phenols, tannins, and coumarins are reported to be abundant in Sterculia diversifolia extracts, many of which are helpful in the treatment of microbial infections, inflammations, hyperglycemia, cancer, and skin problems because they have antioxidant and antibacterial properties [ 1 , 5 , 16 , 17 , 18 ]. The domestication of the certified genotypes of Sterculia diversifolia grown in Jordan will have its influence on the bioconstituents of plant extracts.…”