Abstract
Medicinal plants remain an important source of therapeutic agents and play a significant role in modern drug discovery. Philenoptera laxiflora (Fabaceae) is a tropical African plant widely used in traditional medicine, but the scientific evidence supporting its therapeutic potential remains fragmented. This review aims to comprehensively summarize the current knowledge on the ethnomedicinal uses, phytochemical composition, pharmacological activities, and toxicological profile of P. laxiflora, while highlighting research gaps and future directions for drug discovery. A comprehensive literature search was conducted using electronic scientific databases, including PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, Web of Science, and ScienceDirect. Relevant publications on the ethnobotany, phytochemistry, pharmacology, and toxicology of P. laxiflora were identified using targeted keywords such as ``Philenoptera laxiflora'', ``Lonchocarpus laxiflorus'', ``ethnomedicine'', ``phytochemistry'', ``pharmacological activity'', and ``toxicity''. Studies published in peer-reviewed journals, ethnobotanical reports, and related scientific sources were critically analyzed and synthesized. Ethnobotanical evidence indicates that various parts of P. laxiflora are traditionally used to manage numerous diseases, including diabetes, infections, parasitic diseases, liver disorders, and inflammatory conditions. Phytochemical investigations have identified diverse secondary metabolites, and experimental studies have demonstrated several activities, including antimicrobial, antihyperglycemic, cytotoxic, and antiparasitic effects. Toxicological evaluations suggest a relatively favorable safety profile, with acute and sub-chronic studies indicating low toxicity. P. laxiflora represents a promising yet underexplored medicinal plant with significant potential for natural product–based drug discovery. Further research focusing on bioactive compound isolation, mechanistic pharmacology, comprehensive toxicological evaluation, and clinical validation is necessary to realize its therapeutic potential fully.
Recommended Citation
Tahir, Albashir
()
"Ethnopharmacology, Phytochemistry, and Pharmacological Potential of Philenoptera laxiflora: An Emerging African Medicinal Plant for Drug Discovery,"
Al-Mustaqbal Journal of Pharmaceutical and Medical Sciences: Vol. 4
:
Iss.
1
, Article 3.
Available at:
https://doi.org/10.62846/3006-5909.1040
