Vangueria madagascariensis J.F. Gmelin (Rubiaceae) - an under-utilised African traditional medicinal food plant with potential applications

Abstract

Vangueria madagascariensis J.F. Gmelin (Rubiaceae) is one of the most common species of the genus Vangueria which have received scientific attention for its extensive ethnomedicinal applications worldwide. Generally cultivated for its sweet-sour fruits, this plant has also brought significant contribution in the African materia medica for its antimicrobial and anthelmintic properties since time immemorial. In vitro data revealed the presence of a number of bio-constituents with pluripotential mechanism of action which might be responsible for its medicinal virtues. Recent findings also support its promising potential for use against inflammatory diseases and as functional food/dietary adjunct for the management of diabetes mellitus and related complications. The present monograph endeavours to highlight the botanical description, ethnopharmacological uses, and main therapeutic benefits of Vangueria madagascariensis. Special emphasis has been geared towards recent in vitro data which tend to support its ethnopharmacological use in the traditional medicine of many countries.