Articles published on Euphorbiaceae
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- Research Article
- 10.2174/0113816128357765250603105759
- Jan 1, 2026
- Current pharmaceutical design
- Renata A De Abrantes + 12 more
Cancer encompasses a group of diseases characterized by uncontrolled cell growth and the ability to invade or spread to other parts of the body. It is considered a major public health issue, being the second leading cause of death worldwide. A crucial signaling pathway altered in many cancers is the Mitogen- Activated Protein Kinase (MAPK) pathway, which is associated with the regulation of cell proliferation, differentiation, and survival, playing a central role in the development and maintenance of malignant tumors. Natural products have made significant contributions to pharmacotherapy, particularly in the field of cancer treatment. The Euphorbiaceae family, comprising approximately 300 genera and over 5,000 species, is known for its rich diversity of bioactive compounds. Croton velutinus (Euphorbiaceae), a species predominantly found in Northeast Brazil, has recently garnered attention due to its novel phenylpropanoids isolated from its roots. Among these, (E)-4-(1-epoxy-7,8-propen) phenylbenzoate (CV2) has demonstrated potential cytotoxic activity against various human tumor cell lines, including B16F10, MCF-7, HL60, HCT-116, and HepG2. This mini-review aims to highlight the antitumor activity of phenylpropanoids derived from the Euphorbiaceae family. Furthermore, through molecular docking studies, we explored the binding efficacy of CV2 with MAPKs (ERK, JNK, p38), comparing it to 25 other phenylpropanoid compounds reported in the literature, revealing promising interactions that could be further investigated for therapeutic applications.
- Research Article
- 10.1007/s13205-025-04637-3
- Jan 1, 2026
- 3 Biotech
- Sushil Kumar + 6 more
Castor (Ricinus communis L.) in Euphorbiaceae family is an important tropical crop cultivated for seeds containing industrially valuable oil. With economic development, demand for castor beans and oil is rapidly increasing, yet production is severely affected by fungal diseases, particularly Fusarium and Macrophomina, due to limited advanced breeding methods. F. oxysporum f. sp. ricini -induced wilt in castor is a major pathogenic factor responsible for severe yield losses. Wilt resistance, a complex trait controlled by quantitative trait loci (QTLs), was investigated in this study by developing a linkage map and identifying novel QTLs in castor using F2:3 population. The was developed from the cross between two castor inbred lines, 48 - 1 (Jwala) and the wilt-susceptible genotype JI-35, and screened under pot conditions. Linkage map was developed using 71 SSR markers. A genetic map comprising 13 linkage groups, spanning a total of 1,028.7cM centimorgans (cM). Analysis of genotypic and phenotypic data from the mapping population, evaluated for wilt in pots, identified two QTLs on LG1 and 6 explaining 12.44-16.58% of phenotypic variation. PCR amplification using linked markers on LG 1 in resistant and susceptible F₄ families of the mapping population demonstrated that these markers effectively distinguish plants resistant or susceptible to wilt disease. These markers can be utilized for developing resistant varieties via backcross breeding and for screening germplasm at the seedling stage.
- Research Article
- 10.21577/0103-5053.20250177
- Jan 1, 2026
- Journal of the Brazilian Chemical Society
- Nikole D T Lira + 11 more
The Euphorbiaceae family is well recognized for its chemical diversity, particularly in terpenoid metabolites, while species of the genus Sapium are traditionally used in folk medicine but remain scarcely explored chemically. The phytochemical investigation of the roots of Sapium glandulosum afforded sapientrione (1), a nor-triterpene with an unprecedented carbon skeleton, featuring a seven‑membered ring fused to C-26. The compound was purified by chromatographic techniques and its structure was fully elucidated by 1D and 2D nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy associated with high‐resolution electrospray ionization‐mass spectrometry (HRESIMS) and supported by infrared and UV data. A plausible biosynthetic pathway from the multifloryl cation is proposed. Preliminary assays indicated moderate antimycobacterial activity without cytotoxicity. The discovery of sapientrione expands the structural diversity of triterpenoids and reinforces the phytochemical potential of Sapium species as a source of novel natural products.
- Research Article
- 10.14719/pst.11675
- Dec 10, 2025
- Plant Science Today
- M H Mustafa + 1 more
Because of its abundance of bioactive components, Euphorbia peplus, sometimes referred to as small spurge, is a herbaceous plant belonging to the Euphorbiaceae family that has long been utilized for a variety of therapeutic uses. This study explores the phytochemical content and anticancer potential of E. peplus. After collecting, drying and grinding every part of the plant into a powder, the bioactive components were extracted using a Soxhlet device and ethyl acetate as a solvent. The plant's various chemical components were identified using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). Numerous beneficial substances were also discovered through phytochemical analyses. Salicylic acid, resveratrol, epicatechin and apigenin are among the compounds that have not been previously identified or validated in E. peplus, according to a prior literature review. As a result, these substances might be regarded as new or unproven in this species, underscoring the possibility of finding phytochemicals that have not yet been identified. The MTT assay was used to assess the extracts' anticancer efficacy at various doses. With an IC₅₀ value of 162.5 µg/mL, the ethyl acetate extract demonstrated notable cytotoxic activity in a concentration- and time-dependent manner, suggesting increased efficacy with time. These results show that E. peplus is a good source of bioactive compounds with strong anticancer effects. Such findings highlight the potential of underexplored Euphorbia species growing in Iraq as a promising natural resource for future pharmacological applications. These findings emphasize the importance of further detailed in vivo and mechanistic studies to validate the bioactivity and explore therapeutic applications of E. peplus in cancer treatment. To support their possible usage in upcoming pharmaceutical applications, more research is advised to extract, identify and assess these components in vivo.
- Research Article
- 10.4314/cajost.v7i3.8
- Nov 27, 2025
- Caliphate Journal of Science and Technology
- Uduak I Aletan + 4 more
The Euphorbia genus (family Euphorbiaceae) comprises more than 2000 species widely distributed in tropical and subtropical regions, many of which are used in traditional medicine for managing infections, inflammation, and metabolic disorders. However, there is limited phytochemical information on Euphorbia polycnemoides. In this study, Gas Chromatography–Mass spectrometry (GC–MS) analysis was conducted to profile the phytochemical constituents of its aerial parts across different solvent extracts. A total of 8 compounds were identified in the ethyl acetate extract, 11 in the ethanol extract, 14 in the methanol extract, and 18 in the aqueous extract. The ethyl acetate extract was dominated by phytol (20.08%) and n-hexadecanoic acid (6%). The ethanol extract exhibited a high content of n-hexadecanoic acid (10.86%) and hexadecanoic acid, ethyl ester (2.76%). The methanol extract showed a high abundance of phytol (10.84%), hexadecanoic acid (4.14%), and hexadecanoic acid, ethyl ester (6.33%). The aqueous extract was found to be rich in terpenes,such as o-cymene (3.08%), L-.alpha.-terpineol (16.36%), and safrole (1.52%) The identified compounds included fatty acids and their esters, phthalates, terpenoids, alcohols, aldehydes, and heterocyclic derivatives. Major constituents such as n-hexadecanoic acid , octadecanoic acid , benzene, 1- methyl-4-(1-methylethenyl)-,phytol, and methyl stearate are known to possess antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties. The results provide chemical evidence supporting the ethnomedicinal use of E. polycnemoides and suggest its potential as a source of bioactive compounds for therapeutic applications.
- Research Article
- 10.54033/cadpedv22n13-250
- Nov 26, 2025
- Caderno Pedagógico
- Naema Wasim + 5 more
The Euphorbiaceae family contain 8000 species, near by 2000 are plants with latex production. Euphorbia genus is frequently reported in cancer research because its ancient use from Traditional medicine around the world to treat tumors topically and also as medicinal beverage. This study focused on bibliographic revision about the mainly official informations obtained about the in vitro cytotoxic effect of several different phytochemical and ethnopharmacological prepares upon cancer lineages. As results, it was shown the several types of ethnopharmacological research that progressed since ethnotanicals extracts, passed by phytochemical aspects and, more recently, the joint of isolated molecules to mineral or metal chemicals stabilizants, named phyto-compounds, all of them exhibiting evidences of anticancer activities, specially aggressive ones, investigations made by developed countries and oriental countries, also discussing probable mechanisms of action. As conclusion, all of those reports shown represent promisors and hopeful results, able to evolution to preclinical assays, as toxicologic assays among others, thinking in the potential relief in living beings suffering.
- Research Article
- 10.1007/s12272-025-01588-4
- Nov 24, 2025
- Archives of pharmacal research
- Yang Zhao + 4 more
The genus Croton, a member of the Euphorbiaceae family, comprises nearly 1300 species globally, predominantly inhabiting tropical and subtropical regions. Certain species of Croton are renowned for their significant medicinal properties. Diterpenoids, as the principal bioactive constituents of this genus, exhibit a diverse array of biological activities. From 2013 to 2025, a total of 545 newly identified diterpenoids featuring 34 distinct skeletal types, predominantly labdane, clerodane, tigliane, and crotofolane structures, were isolated from 45 Croton species, including several novel frameworks. According to available literature, Croton diterpenoids demonstrate notable anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor properties, with clerodane and tigliane variants showing particularly promising results. Additionally, antimicrobial, anti-proliferative, anti-angiogenic, neuroprotective, insecticidal, and anti-liver fibrotic activities have been reported for various Croton diterpenoids. This review consolidates information on the distribution, chemical structures, potential biosynthetic pathways and biological activities of diterpenoids isolated from Croton species during the specified period.
- Research Article
- 10.1002/prp2.70185
- Oct 25, 2025
- Pharmacology Research & Perspectives
- Md Arafat + 10 more
ABSTRACTJatropha gossypifolia L., a member of the Euphorbiaceae family, has been traditionally used in the treatment of various ailments. However, its neuropharmacological, cytotoxic, and anthelmintic potentials have not been thoroughly investigated. The methanolic fruit extract of J. gossypifolia (JGF‐ME) was evaluated for anxiolytic activity using the Elevated Plus Maze (EPM), Hole Board Test (HBT), and Light–Dark Box Test (LDT); antidepressant activity using the Forced Swimming Test (FST) and Tail Suspension Test (TST); and sedative effects through the Open Field and Hole Cross tests. Cytotoxicity was assessed via the Brine Shrimp Lethality Assay (BSLA), and anthelmintic activity was evaluated against Pheretima posthuma. GC–MS was used for phytochemical screening, followed by molecular docking and ADME/T analyses of the identified compounds. JGF‐ME exhibited a significant, dose‐dependent anxiolytic effect in EPM, HBT, and LDT. At 400 mg/kg, it significantly reduced immobility in FST and TST (p < 0.001), indicating significant antidepressant activity. The extract also exhibited notable sedative effects, as evidenced by reduced locomotor activity in the Open Field and Hole Cross tests at doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg. In BSLA, JGF‐ME displayed moderate cytotoxicity (LC50 = 327.87 μg/mL) compared to colchicine (LC50 = 38.81 μg/mL). It also produced a dose‐dependent anthelmintic effect by paralyzing and killing P. posthuma. Molecular docking revealed high binding affinities of the identified compounds to selected human receptors, and in silico analysis suggested acceptable drug‐likeness; experimental validation is needed. The study confirms the neuropharmacological, cytotoxic, and anthelmintic potential of J. gossypifolia extract, supporting its traditional use and therapeutic promise.
- Research Article
- 10.30598/jpk.2025.9.2.125
- Oct 20, 2025
- JURNAL PERTANIAN KEPULAUAN
- Jacob R Patty + 2 more
Indonesia has traditionally grown cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz), a member of the Euphorbiaceae family, as a major food crop. Morphological changes in size, shape, color, and yield are the result of adaptation processes. The goal of Indonesia's cassava breeding program is to create sweet and bitter varieties that are high yielding, disease and pest-tolerant, have restricted branching, have good tuber form, are able to adapt to different soil and climate conditions, and mature at the right time. The purpose of this study was to determine the morphological traits of the cassava varieties found in Central Maluku Regency's Leihitu District. Descriptive analysis was used to perform research in eight villages: Morella, Mamala, Hitu Meseng, Hitu Lama, Wakal, Hila, Kaitetu, and Seith. English cassava, Bisstein cassava, Karas (Bitter) cassava, Porridge (Lombo) cassava, Sukabumi cassava, Kapok cassava, and Mantega cassava were the eight types named. Whereas Morella and Mamala Villages had the least amount of varietal variation, Kaitetu Village had the most. Significant morphological variety among cassava varieties in Leihitu District was indicated by dendrogram analysis, which showed two to seven groups at kinship distance scales of 5 to 25.
- Research Article
- 10.14719/pst.8484
- Oct 17, 2025
- Plant Science Today
- A G Ibtehal + 1 more
A plant's ability to affect human physiological functions is attributed to the presence of a chemical compound. These substances fall into two groups: main and secondary metabolites. Metabolic processes produce secondary metabolites that are crucial to a plant's defence mechanism, whereas primary metabolites are required for a plant's growth and development. Alkaloids, carbohydrates, glycosides, steroids, flavonoids, coumarins, fatty acids, terpenoids and phenols are examples of secondary metabolites. Codiaeum variegatum, also known as the miracle shrub, is a plant that belongs to the family Euphorbiaceae. It is usually utilized as an interior plant for decorative purposes due to its beautiful, colourful and large leaves. This review aims to provide a concise summary of the most important and recent information available about C. variegatum. This plant is highly valued for its content of important secondary metabolites with various therapeutic activities, including antioxidant, Antidiarrheal, Anticonvulsant, Antiinflammatory, Antipyretic, antiamoebic, antimicrobial, antiviral and anticancer properties. Flavonoids, phenolic acids, stilbenes, alkaloids, sterols and fatty acids were the major secondary metabolites identified and isolated from C. variegatum. This study was chosen because C. variegatum is a rich plant with various secondary metabolites, serving as a reference for researchers interested in this plant. This review article examines the phytochemical composition, Folkloric uses, pharmacological activities versus toxic potential of C. variegatum. It is made by evaluation of publishing on C. variegatum listed in the online databases Web of Science, Springer Link, PubMed, Science Direct, Scopus and Google Scholar was run between 1980 and 2024 and interesting researches was founded related to the traditional uses, phytochemicals, profile of toxicity and pharmacological activity of C. variegatum and the essential and valued sections were chosen to be reviewed. The results suggest that the Iraqi C. variegatum plant is a promising natural source that can be utilized in nutrition and medicine, because of its safety and efficacy profile. It provides a basis for researchers and opens the door to studying, testing, evaluating and developing compounds of great value for human health.
- Research Article
- 10.18502/ssu.v33i7.19837
- Oct 4, 2025
- Journal of Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences
- Mahdie Hor + 3 more
Introduction: Castor oil bean (Ricinus communis) belongs to the Euphorbiaceae family and is valued for its oil and medicinal uses. It contains several bioactive compounds including ricin, ricinine and flavonoids, and has attracted considerable attention for its various biological effects, including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. The aim of this article was to investigate the antioxidant, antibacterial effects, and phenolic and flavonoid bioactive compounds of castor bean seeds from different regions. Methods: In this study, methanol and hexane extracts from castor bean seeds were prepared via two different extraction methods (stirring and Soxhlet). The antioxidant effect of these extracts was measured using the DPPH (2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) method. For antibacterial effect, both disk diffusion and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC)/minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) methods were employed across several types of bacteria. The study also evaluated the total phenolic and flavonoid contents. Results: The results indicated that the stirring extraction method using methanol yielded the highest level of total phenolic and flavonoid content from castor bean seeds sourced from the Mazandaran region. In contrast, the soxhlet- methanolic extraction of castor bean seeds from the Qom region exhibited the most significant free radical scavenging activity. Notably, Bacillus cereus and Staphylococcus aureus strains depicted the highest sensitivity, with mean diameters 21.16 ± 0.84 mm and 15.33 ± 0.47 mm, respectively, at a concentration of 400 mg/mL of stirring-methanolic extraction. Additionally, the methanol extract from the Mazandaran region displayed strong inhibitory and bactericidal effects against various bacterial strains. Conclusion: The results revealed that the cultivation region of the seeds, the used solvent, and the extraction method had a substantial impact on the bioactive properties of the castor bean seeds.
- Research Article
1
- 10.1016/j.bse.2025.105027
- Oct 1, 2025
- Biochemical Systematics and Ecology
- M.D.L Grijalva-Delgado + 6 more
Croton draco Schltdl. & Cham is a Latin American plant from the family Euphorbiaceae with therapeutic potential and ecological interactions: A review
- Research Article
- 10.1016/j.fitote.2025.106908
- Oct 1, 2025
- Fitoterapia
- Jia-Bi Huang + 7 more
Six undescribed geranylated flavonoid derivatives isolated from Macaranga denticulata with potent Zika virus inhibitory activity.
- Research Article
1
- 10.1016/j.phytochem.2025.114575
- Oct 1, 2025
- Phytochemistry
- Wenjing Tian + 10 more
Efficient NMR spectroscopy approach for the determination of the relative configuration of Δ5,6Δ11,12-jatrophane diterpenes and their chemotherapy sensitization activities.
- Research Article
- 10.31254/phyto.2025.14405
- Sep 30, 2025
- The Journal of Phytopharmacology
- Pushpa Kumari + 3 more
The escalating global crisis of antimicrobial resistance necessitates the urgent development of novel therapeutic agents. The family Euphorbiaceae, comprising over 7,500 species distributed worldwide, represents a rich reservoir of bioactive secondary metabolites with promising antimicrobial potential. Despite extensive traditional use of these plants for treating infectious diseases, a comprehensive evaluation of their antimicrobial properties remains lacking. This review systematically examines the antimicrobial activities of selected Euphorbiaceae plants, evaluating their bioactive compounds, mechanisms of action, and therapeutic potential against pathogenic microorganisms. A comprehensive literature search was conducted across PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar databases (2000-2024) using keywords related to Euphorbiaceae, antimicrobial activity, and bioactive compounds. Studies reporting in vitro and in vivo antimicrobial activities, phytochemical analyses, and mechanism investigations were included following predetermined inclusion criteria. The review encompasses 156 studies investigating antimicrobial properties of 45 Euphorbiaceae species across 12 genera. Key findings reveal that Euphorbia hirta, Jatropha curcas, Ricinus communis, and Croton species demonstrate significant broad-spectrum antimicrobial activities with minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) ranging from 12.5-500 μg/mL against various bacterial and fungal pathogens. Major bioactive compounds include diterpenes, triterpenes, flavonoids, and phenolic acids. Primary mechanisms involve cell membrane disruption, enzyme inhibition, and oxidative stress induction. Several species show promising anti-biofilm properties and synergistic effects with conventional antibiotics. Euphorbiaceae plants represent a valuable source of antimicrobial agents with diverse chemical scaffolds and novel mechanisms of action. While promising in vitro activities are well-documented, translation to clinical applications requires standardized extraction protocols, comprehensive toxicity evaluations, and well-designed clinical trials. Future research should focus on structure-activity relationships, formulation development, and sustainable production strategies to harness the full therapeutic potential of these natural antimicrobials.
- Research Article
- 10.31603/pharmacy.v11i3.12719
- Sep 30, 2025
- Jurnal Farmasi Sains dan Praktis
- Ulan Mulyani Saputri + 4 more
Sacha inchi (Plukenetia volubilis L.) of the family Euphorbiaceae is native to Peruvian in the Amazon forest. SaIn seeds are known to contain a significant fatty acid such as linolenic acid (Omega-3), linoleic acid (Omega-6), and oleic acid (Omega-9). Several studies have shown the benefits of Sacha inchi (SaIn) for various pharmacological activities based on its compound content. The aim of this review article is to provide information about pharmacological activities and describe the physicochemical characteristics of SaIn seed oil. The method used to make this article review is a literature study gathered from national and international journals published in the last ten years through Google Scholar, NCBI-Pubmed, and Crossref with search keys in the form "Plukenetia volubilis L.", "Sacha inchi", "pharmacological activity of Sacha inchi", "physicochemical characteristics of Sacha inchi". Based on the literature review, it was found that the physicochemical characteristics of SaIn seed oil with the observed parameters of peroxide value, iodine number, saponification number and acid number showed different values depending on the extraction method used. SaIn has pharmacological activities as antioxidant, anticancer, antidiabetic, antiobesity, anticonvulsant, anti-aging, antihyperlipidemia, antibacterial and potential for alzheimer therapy.
- Research Article
- 10.18663/tjcl.1782609
- Sep 30, 2025
- Turkish Journal of Clinics and Laboratory
- Zeynep Deniz Şahin İnan + 5 more
Aim: Euphorbia virgata (E. virgata), a species belonging to the Euphorbiaceae family, is distributed across diverse regions of the world. Owing to its rich phytochemical profile, particularly phenolics and alkaloids, it exhibits a wide range of biological activities. This study investigated the effects of ethanol extract from the aerial parts of E. virgata on HT-29 COAD and CCD-18Co normal fibroblast cell lines, as well as the expression profiles of HDACs. Material and Methods: The plant material utilised in the present study was collected from the village of İmaret, located in Sivas province, during the months of June and July 2023. Prof. Dr. Yavuz Bülent Köse subsequently identified the specimen, which was then deposited at the Anadolu University Herbarium under specimen number 16195. Ethanol extracts from the aerial parts of E. virgata were applied to HT-29 and CCD-18Co cell lines at concentrations ranging from 0.5 to 250 µg/mL. Anticancer activity was assessed using the MTT assay. The expression levels of HDACs were analysed by RT-PCR using the ∆∆Ct method. Results: Based on the cell culture experiments, anticancer activity was evaluated using the MTT assay. The IC₅₀ values for CCD-18Co cells were 149.9 µg/mL at 24 h, 36.37 µg/mL at 48 h, and 15.98 µg/mL at 72 h. In contrast, the IC₅₀ values for HT-29 cells were 3.9 µg/mL at 24 h, 1.295 µg/mL at 48 h, and 0.4653 µg/mL at 72 h. The expression levels of HDACs were determined in HT-29 COAD cells in comparison to CCD-18Co healthy control cells. The results demonstrated that the isolated E. virgata extract exhibited increased HDAC1 and HDAC3 gene expression. Furthermore, HDAC2 expression was decreased, demonstrating a significant inhibitory effect on E. virgata. Conclusions: In conclusion, E. virgata may play an important role in HDAC regulation in COAD cells and may offer a potential therapeutic option for preventing COAD progression. However, further studies are required to confirm these findings and assess their transferability to clinical practice.
- Research Article
- 10.33394/bioscientist.v13i3.17511
- Sep 16, 2025
- Bioscientist : Jurnal Ilmiah Biologi
- Satri + 5 more
This study aims to identify rice field weeds in Salumpaga Village, North Tolitoli District. Rice field weeds are wild plants that grow in rice fields and are undesirable to farmers because they inhibit the growth of rice plants. The method used was descriptive with purposive sampling techniques. The weeds identified were those that already had complete organs such as roots, stems, and leaves. The results of the study identified 25 types of weeds, namely, the Asteraceae family (Synedrella nodiflora (L.), Erigeron sumatrensis (Retz.), Ageratum conyzoides (L.), Tridax procumbens (L.), Sphogneticola trilobata (L.), Chromolaena odorata (L.) King & H.Rob, Mikania scandens (L.) and Mikania mikrantha (Kunth.)). Fabaceae family (Mimosa pudica (L.) and Crotalaria pallida (Var.)). Euphorbiaceae family (Euphorbia hirta (L.) and Macaranga peltata (Roxb.)). Cyperaceae family (Kyllinga brevifolia (Rottb.) Hassk. and Cyperus compressus (L.)). Lamiaceae family (Hyptis brevipes (Poit.) and Gmelina arborea (Roxb.)). Convolvulaceae family (Ipomoea aquatica (Forssk.) and Ipomoea triloba (L.)). Poaceae family (Hymenachne amplexicaulis (Rudge.)). Oxalidaceae family (Oxalis stricta (L.)). Rubiaceae family (Oldenlandia corymbosa (L.)). Onocleaceae family (Matteuccia sturthiopteris (L.) Tod). Family Amaranthaceae (Celosia argentea (L.)). Family Vitaceae (Cayratia trifolia (L.)). Family Graminaceae (Imperata cylindrical (L.). Beauv.).
- Research Article
- 10.2174/0126668629340115250107112848
- Sep 1, 2025
- Current Functional Foods
- Vrinda Goel + 5 more
Background: The Euphorbiaceae family comprises over 7,500 species and 300 gen-era, with the castor bean plant, Ricinus communis, being one of the most valuable traditional and medicinal plants. Phytochemical assessments have shown that R. communis possesses a broad variety of chemical compounds with interesting pharmacological properties. This plant exhibits numerous beneficial properties, including effects against implantation failure, anti-fertility, antinociceptive, anticancer, antioxidant, hepatoprotective, immunomodulatory, anti-diabetic, antimicrobial, antiulcer, insecticidal, molluscicidal and larvicidal, bone regeneration, central analgesic, antihistaminic, antiasthmatic, cytotoxic, lipolytic, anti-inflammatory, and wound healing activities. Objective: The review aims to examine the pharmacological properties, phytochemical com-position, and potential applications of Ricinus communis as a plant source. Given its diverse range of phytochemicals and pharmacological activities, R. communis may be a promising option for the discovery of innovative complementary medicines. Methods: This review will involve an extensive analysis of existing literature on Ricinus com-munis. Sources will include peer-reviewed journals, clinical studies, and traditional medicine texts. The focus will be on identifying the pharmacological properties, therapeutic potential, and safety profile of the plant, along with its phytochemical composition. Results: The pharmacological, therapeutic, and safety potential of Ricinus communis and its phytochemicals as herbal and complementary medicine for treating various illnesses and dis-orders require further investigation through advanced clinical and experimental research. Conclusion: This review underscores the need for continued exploration of R. communis to unlock its full potential as a source of innovative medicinal therapies.
- Research Article
- 10.4103/rps.rps_144_24
- Aug 25, 2025
- Research in Pharmaceutical Sciences
- Reawfang Sriyom + 9 more
Background and purpose:Jatropha podagrica Hook, belongs to the Euphorbiaceae family, which possesses anticancer activities and is traditionally applied to treat skin diseases. No reports of J. podagrica anti-neoplastic activity on an amelanotic melanoma and associated inflammatory mediators exist.Experimental approach:The biological activities, including cytotoxic and anti-inflammatory effects of J. podagrica extracts, were evaluated. Key compounds in the extracts were identified using LC-MS/MS analysis.Findings/Results:The hexane extract of the root (RMH) demonstrated the highest inhibition of NO production with an IC50 of 4.94 ± 0.25 μg/mL, followed by the ethanolic extracts of the root (RME) and stem (SME) with IC50 values of 24.90 ± 1.06 and 25.20 ± 0.10 μg/mL, respectively. However, RMH showed cellular toxicity at 50 pg/mL, while other extracts were non-toxic up to 100 μg/mL. None of the extracts affected the concentrations of inflammatory mediators PGE2 or TNF-α. The cytotoxic activity of SME showed an IC50 of 5.62 ± 0.58 μg/mL, comparable to that of the anticancer drug 5-fluorouracil, with an IC50 of 0.59 ± 0.01 μg/mL. The selectivity index of SME was >17.79, significantly higher than that of 5-fluorouracil, which was 0.08. LC-MS/MS analysis identified two main compounds from the coumarin group: fraxetin at 5.357 min and its positional isomer tomentin at 5.943 min.Conclusion and implications:The study indicates that SME exhibits good cytotoxic activity and inhibits key cancer hallmarks such as NO production. The presence of coumarins, identified through LC-MS/MS, suggests that these compounds may play a crucial role in the extract's anticancer effects, highlighting the potential for future development as cancer therapeutics.