Ethnobotany, phytochemistry and pharmacology of Acanthus Ilicifolius: a comprehensive review

• Main Authors: Zakaria, Nor Hafizah, Ibrahim, Maizatul Akma, Abdul Majid, Fadzilah Adibah, Hashim, Fatimah, Tuan Johari, Syed Ahmad Tajudin, Mohd Hasali, Nor Hazwani
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: University Putra Malaysia 2024
• Subjects: Q Science (General); QK Botany; QR Microbiology; R Medicine (General); RM Therapeutics. Pharmacology; S Agriculture (General)
• Online Access: http://irep.iium.edu.my/113773/7/113773_Ethnobotany%2C%20phytochemistry%20and%20pharmacology.pdf; http://irep.iium.edu.my/113773/; https://medic.upm.edu.my/upload/dokumen/2024073110322540_0647.pdf; https://doi.org/10.47836/mjmhs.20.4.41
• Institution: Universiti Islam Antarabangsa Malaysia

Acanthus ilicifolius (family Acanthaceae) is a well-known mangrove plant that is commonly found in India, Australia, and Southeast Asia countries. In this review, this plant is discussed to provide a comprehensive database on its ethnobotanical aspects, as well as phytochemicals, and pharmacological activities. The findings summarised that A. ilicifolius contains mainly flavonoids, alkaloids, and various glycosides. The phytochemicals isolated from the plant have been scientifically proven to possess medicinal properties such as antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antidiabetic, anticancer, anti-acne, anti-helminthic, anti-allergic, and anti-asthmatic properties. This study provides comprehensive and updated data on the phytoconstituents and pharmacological activities of A. ilicifolius’s from various research. This information is important for future research exploration on the plant especially in the investigation of the efficacy and safety of the plant’s compounds toward the application in treating diseases.