Abstract
Purpose: To present an overview of the ethnobotany, phytochemistry and pharmacology of Crinum bulbispermum so as to understand its importance and potential in primary healthcare systems. Methods: A review of the literature was undertaken and an in-depth analysis of previous research on ethnobotany, phytochemistry and pharmacology of C. bulbispermum . Literature sources included papers published in journals, reports from international, regional and national organizations, conference papers, books and theses. Electronic search engines such as Google, Google scholar, publishing sites such as Elsevier, scienceDirect, BioMed Central (BMC), PubMed and other scientific database sites such as ChemSpider, PubChem were used. Results: Crinum bulbispermum i s a popular medicinal plant in southern Africa used as remedy for aching joints, rheumatism, kidney or bladder infections, septic sores and wounds. The chemical composition of C. bulbispermum is dominated by various alkaloids and non-alkaloids isolated from the bulbs, flowers, flowering stalks, leaves and roots. Major biological activities demonstrated by C. bulbispermum include antimicrobial, antioxidant, actinociceptive, antiplasmodial activities as well as effects on the central nervous system. Conclusion: The widespread usage of C. bulbispermum as herbal medicine is threatening wild populations, and this calls for conservation strategies and mechanisms for sustainable utilization of the species. Keywords: Actinociceptive, Amaryllidaceae, Antiplasmodial, Crinum bulbispermum , Ethnobotany, Pharmacology, Phytochemistry
Highlights
Crinum bulbispermum (Burm. f.) Milne-Redh. & Schweick. is a deciduous bulbous plant which belongs to the Amaryllidaceae family
Crinum bulbispermum was initially described as Amaryllis bulbispermum Burm. f. and mistakenly identified as Amaryllis longifolia L. which is Cybistetes longifolia (L.) MilneRedh. & Schweick. [1,2,3]
Crinum bulbispermum is a perennial herb growing to about 1 m tall, with a very large bulb, 10-11 cm in diameter covered with bases of older leaves and vermiform roots at the base [4]
Summary
Crinum bulbispermum (Burm. f.) Milne-Redh. & Schweick. is a deciduous bulbous plant which belongs to the Amaryllidaceae family. Various reports on the phytochemical screening of C. bulbispermum bulbs, flowers, flowering stalks, leaves and roots confirm the presence of isoquinoline alkaloids, flavonoids, sterols, aldehydes, acids, esters, alcohols, esters, amines and amides, fatty acids and their esters (Table 3). The ability of C. bulbispermum to inhibit acetylcholinesterase may be ascribed to several alkaloids which have been isolated from the plant species (Table 3) indicating its potential for use in treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.
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