An insight into the bioactive compounds of genus Homalium with therapeutic potential in different diseases: Current applications and future prospects

Abstract

The genus Homalium comprises of about 315 species in family Salicaeae; distributed in tropical region of both hemispheres in many parts of Asia, Africa, and Australia continents. The species are widely used as traditional medicines for various ailments e.g., ulcer, malaria, skin diseases, inflammatory diseases, aphrodisiac, enema, edema, orchitis, rheumatism, hepatoprotection, diabetes, wound healing and perpeural fever. This study compiles ethnomedicinal, phytochemistry and pharmacological properties of various Homalium species. About 12 species have been reported to have medicinal values and the presence of bioactive molecules. The species of this genus possess diversified phytoconstituents. About 105 chemical constituents have been isolated from this genus and the major constituents are glycosides (46%), flavonoids (2%), lignans (4%), terpene (7%), alkaloid (4%), lactone (4%), quinine (1%), steroid (3%) etc. Literature reports on validation of ethnomedicinal values by in vitro and in vivo experiments are also complied in this study. Extract or fraction of different species and isolated compounds have showed antimicrobial, anti-diarrhoeal, anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, anti-nociceptive, antioxidant, anti-parasitic, antiulcer and cytotoxic activities. Homalium species is an important source of bioactive compounds that shows potent bioactivities and could serve as possible leads in drug discovery.