{"title":"Phytochemical diversity and therapeutic potential of the Polyalthia genus: a comprehensive review","authors":"Phoebe Sussana Primus, Yeun-Mun Choo","doi":"10.1007/s11101-026-10257-3","DOIUrl":null,"url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>The <i>Polyalthia</i> genus is a rich source of bioactive compounds with significant pharmacological potential, exhibiting diverse biological activities such as anticancer, antimicrobial, antiviral, and antimalarial properties. Notable species, including <i>P. bullata</i>, <i>P. cauliflora</i>, <i>P. debilis</i>, and <i>P. nemoralis</i>, have demonstrated cytotoxic effects, while <i>P. debilis</i>, <i>P. evecta</i>, and <i>P. nemoralis</i> exhibit potent antimalarial activity. Additionally, <i>P. cinnamomea</i>, <i>P. debilis</i>, <i>P. obliqua</i>, and <i>P. stenopetala</i> possess antimicrobial properties, <i>P. suberosa</i> shows anti-HIV activity, and <i>P. stenopetala</i> exhibits neuroprotective effects and acetylcholinesterase inhibition. Phytochemical investigations reveal an abundance of alkaloids, particularly in <i>P. nemoralis</i> and <i>P. cauliflora</i>, as well as acetogenins in <i>P. debilis</i> and <i>P. evecta</i>. Recent taxonomic revisions have led to the reclassification of several <i>Polyalthia</i> species, with <i>P. longifolia</i> and <i>P. lateriflora</i> now placed under <i>Monoon</i>, and <i>P. suaveolens</i> reassigned to <i>Greenwayodendron</i>. Phylogenetic analyses confirm the polyphyletic nature of <i>Polyalthia</i>, necessitating its reorganization while remaining within the Annonaceae family. Currently, the genus comprises 97 species. This review provides a comprehensive compilation of the phytochemical diversity and pharmacological activities of the <i>Polyalthia</i> genus, highlighting its potential for the development of novel therapeutic agents and identifying gaps for future clinical research. However, most findings are based on in vitro and preclinical studies, and further toxicological and clinical investigations are necessary to confirm their therapeutic potential and safety.</p><h3>Graphical abstract</h3>\n<div><figure><div><div><picture><source><img></source></picture></div></div></figure></div></div>","PeriodicalId":733,"journal":{"name":"Phytochemistry Reviews","volume":"25 6","pages":"4395 - 4418"},"PeriodicalIF":6.3000,"publicationDate":"2026-06-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s11101-026-10257-3.pdf","citationCount":"0","resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":null,"PeriodicalName":"Phytochemistry Reviews","FirstCategoryId":"99","ListUrlMain":"https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11101-026-10257-3","RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":null,"EPubDate":"","PubModel":"","JCR":"Q1","JCRName":"PLANT SCIENCES","Score":null,"Total":0}
引用次数: 0
Abstract
The Polyalthia genus is a rich source of bioactive compounds with significant pharmacological potential, exhibiting diverse biological activities such as anticancer, antimicrobial, antiviral, and antimalarial properties. Notable species, including P. bullata, P. cauliflora, P. debilis, and P. nemoralis, have demonstrated cytotoxic effects, while P. debilis, P. evecta, and P. nemoralis exhibit potent antimalarial activity. Additionally, P. cinnamomea, P. debilis, P. obliqua, and P. stenopetala possess antimicrobial properties, P. suberosa shows anti-HIV activity, and P. stenopetala exhibits neuroprotective effects and acetylcholinesterase inhibition. Phytochemical investigations reveal an abundance of alkaloids, particularly in P. nemoralis and P. cauliflora, as well as acetogenins in P. debilis and P. evecta. Recent taxonomic revisions have led to the reclassification of several Polyalthia species, with P. longifolia and P. lateriflora now placed under Monoon, and P. suaveolens reassigned to Greenwayodendron. Phylogenetic analyses confirm the polyphyletic nature of Polyalthia, necessitating its reorganization while remaining within the Annonaceae family. Currently, the genus comprises 97 species. This review provides a comprehensive compilation of the phytochemical diversity and pharmacological activities of the Polyalthia genus, highlighting its potential for the development of novel therapeutic agents and identifying gaps for future clinical research. However, most findings are based on in vitro and preclinical studies, and further toxicological and clinical investigations are necessary to confirm their therapeutic potential and safety.
期刊介绍：
Phytochemistry Reviews is the sole review journal encompassing all facets of phytochemistry. It publishes peer-reviewed papers in six issues annually, including topical issues often stemming from meetings organized by the Phytochemical Society of Europe. Additionally, the journal welcomes original review papers that contribute to advancing knowledge in various aspects of plant chemistry, function, biosynthesis, effects on plant and animal physiology, pathology, and their application in agriculture and industry. Invited meeting papers are supplemented with additional review papers, providing a comprehensive overview of the current status across all areas of phytochemistry.
求助内容：
应助结果提醒方式：
京公网安备 11010802042870号
