Botanical description, ethnomedicinal uses, phytochemistry and pharmacological effects of Croton dichogamus Pax (Euphorbiaceae)

Abstract

Croton dichogamus Pax (Euphorbiaceae) has been used widely in traditional ethnopharmacological practices against a wide number of ailments. The pharmacological activities, phytochemical composition and its safety aspects have been covered in a number of articles. The present review aims to provide a comprehensive literature overview regarding botanical description, phytochemical composition, local uses, pharmacology and toxicological effects of crude extracts, fractions and isolated compounds obtained using different solvent systems. The review was compiled through a thorough literature search from authentic resources using Google, Google Scholar, Medline, PubMed, Chemical abstracts, Web of Science, Scopus, Science Direct, peer reviewed articles, books and thesis. Croton dichogamus is an important ethnomedicinal plant used traditionally for the treatment of tuberculosis and other respiratory tract infections, stomach ache, fever, sexually transmitted diseases such as syphilis and gonorrhea, impotence, arthritis, tooth ache, infertility and malaria. Pharmacological and toxicological studies performed on the fresh plant parts and crude extracts prepared using different extraction solvents validates the ethnomedicinal utilization of Croton dichogamus. Studies performed validate the use of Croton dichogamus extracts in antimicrobial, antioxidative and antiproliferative therapy. Information on therapeutic validation in analgesia, hypertension, wound healing, gastrointestinal motility and diabetes mellitus is scanty. To further advance the local use of Croton dichogamus in the above-mentioned illnesses, there is an urgent need for further studies to validate the traditionally reported anecdotal efficacy and safety. Data on safety of various crude extracts of Croton dichogamus is also scanty. However, the available information on toxicology of Croton dichogamus suggests it is safe. The current review supports in part, the ethnomedicinal use of the medicinal plant. However, in-depth studies aimed at efficacy and safety evaluation, in addition to identification of compounds responsible for the reported activities is required. This information will support steps towards discovery of novel ligands with activity against illnesses reported above.