Review: The traditional uses, secondary metabolites, and pharmacology of Symplocos species
Giang Le Thi, Aug-2025, In: Vietnam Journal of Science and Technology ( VJST), 63, 5, p. 823-848
Overview
Abstract:
Abstract. Ethnopharmacological relevance: The genus Symplocos (Symplocaceae family)
includes 500 accepted names and is distributed in tropical and subtropical regions. Some
Symplocos species are used in traditional medicines for the treatment of bacterial diseases,
hemorrhage, gynecological disorders, and live diseases.
Aim of the study: This review focuses on the phytochemistry and pharmacology of
the Symplocos genus to understand the link between the traditional medicinal uses,
phytochemistry, and bioactivities. Thus, they provide a scientific basis for further research on
its phytochemical and pharmacological activities.
Materials and methods: Information about the Symplocos genus was collected using
various databases such as Web of Science, SciFinder, Google Scholar, PubMed, Wiley, ACS
publications, Elsevier, and SpringerLink between 1980 and 2024. Plant names were validated by
“World of Flora Online” (www.worldfloraonline.org).
Results: Up to now, a total of 202 compounds have been reported from Symplocos species,
including triterpenoids, flavonoids, iridoids, lignans, steroids, phenolics, and athraquinones. The
extracts and phytochemical constituents of the Symplocos genus are a rich source of biological
activities, including anti-cancer, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, hypoglycemic,
and other activities.
Conclusions: The review indicates that the Symplocos genus is a promising source of
biological compounds, particularly the anti-cancer activity of chromanes. The results of this
review confirm the great potential of Symplocos species. Thus, it will be helpful for further
research on the phytochemistry and pharmacology of the Symplocos genus
includes 500 accepted names and is distributed in tropical and subtropical regions. Some
Symplocos species are used in traditional medicines for the treatment of bacterial diseases,
hemorrhage, gynecological disorders, and live diseases.
Aim of the study: This review focuses on the phytochemistry and pharmacology of
the Symplocos genus to understand the link between the traditional medicinal uses,
phytochemistry, and bioactivities. Thus, they provide a scientific basis for further research on
its phytochemical and pharmacological activities.
Materials and methods: Information about the Symplocos genus was collected using
various databases such as Web of Science, SciFinder, Google Scholar, PubMed, Wiley, ACS
publications, Elsevier, and SpringerLink between 1980 and 2024. Plant names were validated by
“World of Flora Online” (www.worldfloraonline.org).
Results: Up to now, a total of 202 compounds have been reported from Symplocos species,
including triterpenoids, flavonoids, iridoids, lignans, steroids, phenolics, and athraquinones. The
extracts and phytochemical constituents of the Symplocos genus are a rich source of biological
activities, including anti-cancer, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, hypoglycemic,
and other activities.
Conclusions: The review indicates that the Symplocos genus is a promising source of
biological compounds, particularly the anti-cancer activity of chromanes. The results of this
review confirm the great potential of Symplocos species. Thus, it will be helpful for further
research on the phytochemistry and pharmacology of the Symplocos genus
Keyword(s): Symplocos, Euphorbiaceae, anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, triterpenoid, flavonoid
| Pages (from-to) | 823-848 |
| Journal | Vietnam Journal of Science and Technology ( VJST) |
| Volume | 63 |
| Issue number | 5 |
| Publication status | Published - Aug-2025 |
| ISBN | 2525-2518,2815-5874 |