The Genus Alepidea

Abstract

The genus Alepidea F. Delaroche (Apiaceae) comprises 32 species with its centre of diversity in southern Africa. Some of the species are widely used as traditional medicines. Therefore, this study aims at providing comprehensive information on the medicinal uses, phytochemical and pharmacological properties of Alepidea species. Electronic databases, including Web of Science, Science Direct, Google Scholar, Scopus, PubMed, and Springer Link were used as information sources. Additional information was obtained from pre-electronic sources such as books, book chapters, scientific journals, and other grey literature obtained from the University library. A total of 10 Alepidea species were reported in the literature to have medicinal properties. Alepidea species are traditionally used as charm and ritual purposes, and traditional medicines for snake bites, venereal diseases, rheumatism, gastro-intestinal problems, headache, fever, and respiratory infections. Alepidea amatymbica Eckl. & Zeyh. was identified as the most frequently used member of the Alepidea genus. The kaurene derivatives, a class of diterpenoids, were identified as the most studied group of compounds from the genus and showed interesting bioactivity in antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-hypertensive, cardiovascular, diuretic, and cytotoxicity activities. More and broader ethnopharmacological studies are recommended to provide further evidence of the health benefits associated with Alepidea species. Therefore, further in vitro and in vivo animal studies are required to confirm the efficacy, safety, and the mechanisms of actions before future clinical studies involving Alepidea species.