Bougainvillea Genus: A Review on Phytochemistry, Pharmacology, and Toxicology.

Rodolfo Abarca-Vargas,Vera L Petricevich

doi:10.1155/2018/9070927

Abstract

This review discusses the current knowledge of the phytochemistry and in vitro and in vivo evaluations carried out using the extracts and, where appropriate, the main active components isolated from the genus Bougainvillea. Out of 18 species, most phytochemical, pharmacological, and toxicological studies focused on four species with different cultivars and one hybrid. Some plants are used for the treatment of various health disorders. Numerous phytochemical investigations of plants in this genus confirm the presence of aliphatic hydrocarbons, fatty acids, fatty alcohols, volatile compounds, phenolic compounds, peltogynoids, flavonoids, phytosterols, terpenes, carbohydrates, and betalains. Various studies have confirmed that these extracts or active substances that were isolated from the genus Bougainvillea have multiple pharmacological activities. Some species of Bougainvillea have emerged as sources of traditional medicine in human health. More studies of the phytochemical, pharmacological, and toxicological properties and their mechanisms of action, safety, and efficacy in all Bougainvillea species, cultivars, and hybrids are advisable for future research.

Highlights

The genus Bougainvillea is a very widespread group throughout the world. It belongs to the family Nyctaginaceae and, according to the “The Plant List”, contains approximately 18 species (B. berberidifolia, B. buttiana, B. campanulata, B. glabra, B. herzogiana, B. infesta, B. lehmanniana, B. lehmannii, B. malmeana, B. modesta, B. pachyphylla, B. peruviana, B. pomacea, B. praecox, B. spectabilis, B. spinosa, B. stipitata, and B. trollii) [1]
There are more than 100 cultivars and three hybrids, the latter not yet recognized
The flavonoids, are a group of compounds widely distributed in the plant kingdom, 21 compounds have been identified in B. glabra and B. spectabilis (Table 5 and Figure 5)

Summary

Introduction

The genus Bougainvillea is a very widespread group throughout the world. It belongs to the family Nyctaginaceae and, according to the “The Plant List”, contains approximately 18 species (B. berberidifolia, B. buttiana, B. campanulata, B. glabra, B. herzogiana, B. infesta, B. lehmanniana, B. lehmannii, B. malmeana, B. modesta, B. pachyphylla, B. peruviana, B. pomacea, B. praecox, B. spectabilis, B. spinosa, B. stipitata, and B. trollii) [1]. Four species (B. buttiana, B. glabra, B. spectabilis, and B. peruviana) are commercially exploited [2]. There are more than 100 cultivars and three hybrids, the latter not yet recognized. The objectives of this review are to provide updated and complete information on the distribution, phytochemical, pharmacological, and toxicity research of Bougainvillea species, to identify their therapeutic potential and to direct future research opportunities. The taxonomy was validated using the “The Plant List”

Taxonomical Classification

Phytochemistry

Pharmacological Activity

Toxicity

Findings

Conclusions