South African Journal of Botany最新文献

{"title":"Biological screening of medicinal plants used by SCD patients in the eastern part of Madagascar for their anti-sickling and analgesic activities","authors":"Zoarilala Rinah Razafindrakoto ,&nbsp;Nantenaina Tombozara ,&nbsp;Fenitriniaina Judith Elyna Mahitasoa ,&nbsp;Marcellin Solofoniaina ,&nbsp;Edith Tolonjanahary Tatafasa ,&nbsp;Charles Andrianjara ,&nbsp;David Ramanitrahasimbola","doi":"10.1016/j.sajb.2025.12.027","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.sajb.2025.12.027","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Madagascar is one of the Southern African countries where the prevalence of sickle cell disease (SCD), particularly among children younger than five years, is worrying. Malagasy SCD patients use several plant-based remedies to treat SCD and its symptoms. This study, which is a logical continuation of our previous field investigation, aims to screen the ethanol and/or aqueous extracts of some potential plant species cited by these patients for their analgesic and anti-sickling activities in order to demonstrate their efficacy in preventing SCD crisis and its symptoms. The anti-polymerization activity of the extracts was evaluated <em>in vitro</em> using sodium metabisulfite deoxygenated sickle hemoglobin (HbS) from SCD patients. The analgesic activity of the extracts was evaluated <em>in vivo</em> using acetic acid-induced writhing test in mice. 73 ethanol extracts and 73 aqueous extracts from 72 plant species were prepared for the biological screening. Among them, 15.1% (22) of the extracts showed good anti-polymerization activity at 1000 µg/mL where the ethanol extracts of <em>Sigesbeckia orientalis</em> (91.19%) and <em>Mollugo nudicaulis</em> (90.08%) demonstrated the highest activity. In addition, 69.9% (102) of the extracts at the oral dose of 200 mg/kg body weight (<em>b.w.</em>) showed good analgesic activity by inhibiting the experimental pain model where 22.6% (33) showed similar analgesic effect to that of paracetamol (150 mg/kg <em>b.w.</em>). <em>Cassia alata</em> and <em>Gynochtodes retusa</em> ethanol extracts showed the highest analgesic activity (92.73% and 91.87%, respectively). <em>Mimosa pudica</em> and <em>Stenocline inuloides</em> are the most promising species, as they demonstrated potent anti-polymerization (78.08% and 88.84%, respectively) and analgesic (88.44% and 79.71%, respectively) activities. These results show that these plants are good sources of anti-sicking and analgesic compounds that confirm the therapeutic virtues claimed by Malagasy SCD patients and traditional practitioners in the treatment of SCD and its symptoms.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21919,"journal":{"name":"South African Journal of Botany","volume":"190 ","pages":"Pages 11-20"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145980698","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"CO₂ enrichment boosts growth, tissue chemical composition, and biological activity in two fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) varieties","authors":"Hussein S. Mohamed ,&nbsp;Maha M. Abdel-Fattah ,&nbsp;Ali Z. Al-Saffar ,&nbsp;Yousef Alhaj Hamoud ,&nbsp;Seham M. Hamed ,&nbsp;Danyah A. Aldailami ,&nbsp;Modhi O Alotaibi ,&nbsp;Afrah E. Mohammed","doi":"10.1016/j.sajb.2026.02.006","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.sajb.2026.02.006","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Elevated CO₂ significantly improved plant growth, as evidenced by increased fresh and dry weight (FW and DW) in both Foeniculum vulgare Mill<em>. (</em>Apiaceae<em>), commonly known as fennel, is a member of the</em> Apiaceae <em>family that includes many aromatic and medicinal plants</em> varieties (var. holand and var. azoricum), with F. vulgare var. azoricum showing greater biomass accumulation. This enhanced growth was primarily attributed to increased photosynthetic activity under CO₂ enrichment, which boosted carbon availability in the form of soluble sugars. The higher sugar levels contributed to enhanced primary metabolism, including increased synthesis of organic acids, fatty acids, and amino acids. Notably, several essential metabolites were elevated, including essential amino acids and unsaturated fatty acids. Among the amino acids, phenylalanine, known as a precursor for phenolic and flavonoid biosynthesis, showed marked accumulation, suggesting activation of secondary metabolic pathways. As a result, elevated CO₂ led to significant increases in bioactive secondary metabolites, including phenolic compounds such as protocatechuic acid and flavonoids. This metabolic shift translated into enhanced biological activities: the CO₂ treated plants exhibited stronger anti-inflammatory effects, with F. vulgare var. holand under elevated CO₂ showing a 59.6% decrease in IC₅₀ for COX-2 inhibition and a 46.1% decrease for LOX inhibition the most potent activity. Additionally, antioxidant and antimicrobial properties were significantly improved in both varieties. Overall, this study demonstrates that elevated atmospheric CO₂ not only boosts the yield of F. vulgare but also enhances its medicinal and functional food value by enriching its metabolic and bioactive profile.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21919,"journal":{"name":"South African Journal of Botany","volume":"190 ","pages":"Pages 555-566"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146173912","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Integrated analysis of the chemical, biological, and toxicological property stability in essential oils from fresh and dehydrated Ocimum gratissimum leaves","authors":"Thiago Silva de Almeida ,&nbsp;Pollyne Borborema Almeida de Lima ,&nbsp;Naiana Santos da Cruz Santana Neves ,&nbsp;Jaqueline Rodrigues da Silva ,&nbsp;Francildo dos Santos Silva ,&nbsp;Elita de Sousa Santos ,&nbsp;Rivânia Pereira dos Santos ,&nbsp;Júlio César Ribeiro de Oliveira Farias de Aguiar ,&nbsp;Daniela Maria do Amaral Ferraz Navarro ,&nbsp;Maria Flaviana Bezerra Morais-Braga ,&nbsp;James Correia de Melo","doi":"10.1016/j.sajb.2026.01.032","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.sajb.2026.01.032","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Ocimum gratissimum</em> is an aromatic herb, found throughout Brazil, where it is used as a medicinal plant to treat infections, dermatoses, respiratory dysfunction, among others. Its essential oil (EO) is rich in eugenol, studied for its antifungal, antibacterial and antinematode properties, among others. This study conducted an integrative assessment of the biotechnological potential of <em>O. gratissimum</em> EO, and the impact of the dehydration process on the preservation of its characteristics. The analysis included several parameters such as physicochemical properties (yield, brix, density, pH and refractive index), chemical composition (GC/MS), thermal stability (photodegradation and TG/DTG), biological activities (antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal, and antifungal-modulating), and toxicity assays (acute toxicity against <em>artemia</em> sp. and murine fibroblasts). Biomass dehydration did not cause significant changes in the properties of the EO, preserving the physicochemical profile, thermostability and the major compounds (Eugenol and 1,8-cineole). Antioxidant activity was significant, and the modulation of fluconazole was highly efficient for both EOs, indicating a relevant therapeutic potential. Toxicity against <em>Artemia</em> nauplii suggests applicability as an insecticide, while the toxicity in mammalian cells reinforces its safety for biotechnological uses.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21919,"journal":{"name":"South African Journal of Botany","volume":"190 ","pages":"Pages 545-554"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146173911","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Heuweltjies as within-paddock indicators of veld condition in the Succulent Karoo: vegetation contrasts between mound and intermound habitats","authors":"Emilia N. Inman ,&nbsp;Igshaan Samuels ,&nbsp;Clement Cupido ,&nbsp;Luke Gallant","doi":"10.1016/j.sajb.2026.01.042","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.sajb.2026.01.042","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Heuweltjies (microtopographic earthen mounds) are conspicuous across South Africa’s semi-arid, winter-rainfall rangelands, yet their value as field-ready indicators of veld condition is under-tested. This study examines the suitability of heuweltjies as indicators of veld condition within paddocks in the semi-arid Succulent Karoo. We utilized a spatially explicit paired sampling design, comparing vegetation attributes on 16 mounds with adjacent intermound plots (the matrix), in the Ebenhaeser communal rangelands. We focused on operational diagnostics, which are repeatable, management-sensitive metrics derived from life-form balances, growth-form structure, and palatability-weighted abundance. Statistical comparisons utilized Generalized Estimating Equations (GEE) to ensure robust inference by accounting for the non-independence inherent in the paired plot design. Mound habitats consistently showed a strong utilization signal, characterized by significantly higher counts of palatable individuals, as well as high herb richness and Shannon diversity. This confirms the ecological function of heuweltjies as resource islands that concentrate desirable forage. Annual plants exhibited significantly higher abundance and cover on mounds, reflecting their sensitivity to the localized nutrient enrichment and disturbance inherent in these resource islands. Succulent shrubs (a key forage group) were significantly larger on mounds, yet grasses were more abundant on the intermound matrix, highlighting a competitive trade-off possibly driven by higher mound alkalinity or shrub competition. These results validate the inherent mound–intermound contrast as a robust, low-cost indicator framework. Formalizing metrics such as palatable plant count difference and annual proportion provides local managers with repeatable, management-relevant signals necessary for setting accurate utilization thresholds, thus improving the performance of broader veld condition assessments.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21919,"journal":{"name":"South African Journal of Botany","volume":"190 ","pages":"Pages 641-649"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146173910","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Genomics must catch up with medicinal and aromatic plants: From neglect to equity in natural product research","authors":"Swati Tyagi","doi":"10.1016/j.sajb.2026.01.012","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.sajb.2026.01.012","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs) underpin a global industry valued at over $60 billion and have contributed directly or indirectly to many widely used pharmaceuticals. Despite this importance, they remain strikingly underrepresented in plant genomic databases. This gap cannot be explained by technical limitations alone. Instead, it reflects deeper structural issues, including funding priorities, institutional incentives, and long-standing imbalances in how plant research is organized and valued. As a result, genomics efforts have disproportionately focused on a small number of crop and model species, leaving much of the world’s medicinal plant diversity genomically unexplored. In this review, I argue that the current trajectory of plant genomics risks reinforcing historical patterns of extractive research, where biological resources and traditional knowledge from biodiversity-rich regions are separated from scientific leadership and long-term benefits. This imbalance constrains our ability to respond to emerging health challenges, conserve medicinal biodiversity, and fully realize the potential of natural products. Addressing this issue will require a shift toward more equitable, community-centred genomic research models that treat medicinal plant genomes as shared scientific infrastructure and recognize their importance for global health, conservation, and innovation.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21919,"journal":{"name":"South African Journal of Botany","volume":"190 ","pages":"Pages 234-240"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146078836","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Two new endemic species of Hermannia L. (Malvaceae: Byttnerioideae)—H. lilacina and H. boschbergensis—from the Cape Midlands Escarpment (Eastern Cape, South Africa)","authors":"V. Ralph Clark ,&nbsp;João de Deus Vidal Jr ,&nbsp;David Gwynne-Evans ,&nbsp;Nigel P. Barker","doi":"10.1016/j.sajb.2026.01.041","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.sajb.2026.01.041","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Hermannia</em> L. is primarily an African genus of some 250 species, with the centre of diversity located in southern Africa. It is the sixth-most endemic-rich genus in the Greater Cape Floristic Region, although endemics occur in all biomes in southern Africa. Two new species of <em>Hermannia</em> L. (Malvaceae: Byttnerioideae) are described from the Cape Midlands Escarpment mountains, Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. <em>Hermannia lilacina</em> Gwynn. &amp; V.R.Clark is common in Karoo Escarpment Grassland (Grassland Biome), mostly above 1600 m in the eastern Sneeuberg Massif (Nardousberg to Aasvoëlkrans, i.e. behind Graaff-Reinet to Pearston), with one record from the interior of the western Great Winterberg–Amatholes (i.e. near Tarkastad). <em>Hermannia boschbergensis</em> Gwynn. &amp; V.R.Clark is apparently confined to mid-elevations in Eastern Cape Escarpment Thicket (Albany Thicket Biome) at 1200 m on the Boschberg (eastern Sneeuberg, near KwaNajoli/Somerset East) and is currently only known from two collections. Recognition of these two new species complements numerous other recent discoveries from these mountains.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21919,"journal":{"name":"South African Journal of Botany","volume":"190 ","pages":"Pages 618-629"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146173915","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Modulation of plant physiological activity for water stress resilience by foliar application of plant bio-regulators in Kinnow mandarin","authors":"Rohit Sharma ,&nbsp;Shashi K Sharma ,&nbsp;Vishal Singh Rana ,&nbsp;Kapil Sharma ,&nbsp;Heena Sharma","doi":"10.1016/j.sajb.2026.01.026","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.sajb.2026.01.026","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Water stress is a growing concern for citrus growers, especially in rainfed orchards where limited moisture can severely impact plant health, fruit development, and overall yield. Kinnow mandarin, like many citrus varieties, is particularly sensitive during key stages such as fruit set, cell division, and maturation. The present study evaluated the efficacy of plant bioregulators (PBRs), particularly Homo-brassinolide (HBR) and Methyl Jasmonates (MeJ), in enhancing plant tolerance to water deficit conditions through stage-specific applications. Among the different treatments tested, the combination of HBR at 1.0 µM applied during fruit set, fruit cell division, and maturation (PBR₂CS₇) showed the most promising results. This treatment significantly improved the plant's physiological responses including higher relative water content, increased proline levels, enhanced peroxidase activity, and a better carbohydrate-to-nitrogen ratio in leaves. It also led to improved leaf micronutrient levels, better yield efficiency, and enhanced fruit quality traits such as higher sugar content, better TSS/acid ratio, and more vitamin C. While all bioregulators contributed positively, HBR applied at the right time and dose consistently outperformed others. To better understand these relationships, we also used Chord diagram and principal component analysis (PCA), which revealed strong linkages among physiological traits, fruit quality, and yield. These insights suggest that the strategic use of PBRs can be a practical solution to improve the yield and quality of Kinnow mandarin under water-limited conditions.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21919,"journal":{"name":"South African Journal of Botany","volume":"190 ","pages":"Pages 457-468"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146173909","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Bioactive potential and topical formulation of black rice (Oryza sativa) extract compared with ferulic acid and arbutin","authors":"Sibel Dikmen Kucuk ,&nbsp;Paul Jabet ,&nbsp;Anthony Groso ,&nbsp;Guillaume Collet ,&nbsp;Richard Daniellou ,&nbsp;Emine Kurtay","doi":"10.1016/j.sajb.2026.01.035","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.sajb.2026.01.035","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Black rice (<em>Oryza sativa</em> L.) is a rich source of phenolics and flavonoids, making it a candidate ingredient for dermocosmetic applications. This study aimed to evaluate the bioactive potential of an ethanolic black rice extract as a supportive ingredient by comparing its antioxidant capacity, tyrosinase inhibitory activity, and cytocompatibility with two established references, ferulic acid and arbutin, and by developing a stable topical formulation. The extract, containing 141.23 ± 7.06 mg GAE/g phenolics and 96.75 ± 4.84 mg QE/g flavonoids, exhibited a moderate total antioxidant capacity (46 µmol TE mL⁻¹). At a non‑cytotoxic concentration (≤0.1 % v/v) that maintained over 90 % viability in HaCaT keratinocytes, its tyrosinase inhibition was limited compared to the reference compounds. A topical gel formulated with the extract exhibited acceptable physicochemical properties and remained stable in accelerated stability tests simulating a 2-year shelf life, showing no significant change in appearance, pH, viscosity, or microbiological quality. While the direct depigmenting effect was limited, black rice extract displays a positive biocompatibility and stability profile, supporting its potential role as a multifunctional, natural supporting ingredient in cosmetic formulations for oxidative balance and skincare. This provides a scientific basis for the future development of safe, naturally sourced skincare products containing black rice extract.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21919,"journal":{"name":"South African Journal of Botany","volume":"190 ","pages":"Pages 394-401"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146174005","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Phytoconstituents and antihypertensive activity of Indonesian avocado (Persea americana Mill) leaves extracts","authors":"Navista Sri Octa Ujiantari ,&nbsp;Anjar Windarsih ,&nbsp;Khoirun Nisa ,&nbsp;Eka Noviana ,&nbsp;Martha Purnami Wulanjati ,&nbsp;Cici Darsih ,&nbsp;Sri Handayani ,&nbsp;Vita Taufika Rosyida ,&nbsp;Nurrulhidayah Ahmad Fadzillah ,&nbsp;Sugeng Hariyadi","doi":"10.1016/j.sajb.2026.01.031","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.sajb.2026.01.031","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Avocado (<em>Persea americana</em> Mill) has been reported for its various biological activities, including its potential as an antihypertensive medication. There is limited research comparing the bioactivity and phytochemical content of avocado leaves from different Indonesian regions, particularly regarding their antihypertensive potential. Therefore, this research aimed to investigate total phenolic and flavonoid content, antioxidant, and antihypertensive activity of avocado leaves extracts collected from three different regions in Indonesia, along with metabolomics analysis using liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry (LC<img>HRMS). The highest phenolic content was found in leaves obtained in Gunungkidul, extracted using 96% ethanol (G96: 108.43 ± 0.77 mg GAE/g) and 70% ethanol (G70: 101.86 ± 1.25 mg GAE/g). The mean value of total flavonoid content varied from 1.23–13.1 mg QE/g, in which the ethanol extracts had a higher flavonoid content than the water extract. A good antioxidant activity, shown by low IC₅₀ values, was exhibited by 70% ethanol extracts from leaves obtained in Klaten (K70: 25.1 ± 2.36 mg/L) and Gunungkidul (G70: 13.35 ± 0.31 mg/L), measured using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2’-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) antioxidant assays, respectively. Moreover, 70% ethanol extracts from all regions showed higher antihypertensive activity, and G70 demonstrated the highest angiotension-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory activity (86.20%) measured at the concentration of 0.1 mg/L. Partial least square-discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) could discriminate extracts according to their extraction solvents. 23 metabolites that are strongly correlated to the antihypertensive activity were found, including flavonoids such as rutin, quercetin-3β-<span>d</span>-glucoside, astragalin, juglalin, coumarin, and luteolin-7-sulfate. Molecular docking analysis of selected flavonoids supported the antihypertensive activity through the ACE inhibitory mechanism. These results suggested the potential use of avocado leaves extract as a natural antioxidant and antihypertensive agent for pharmaceutical and functional food industries.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21919,"journal":{"name":"South African Journal of Botany","volume":"190 ","pages":"Pages 435-446"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146173957","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The genus Smilax L.: A comprehensive review of traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacological activities, and toxicity","authors":"Geetika Sukhramani ,&nbsp;Ritesh Kumar Choudhary","doi":"10.1016/j.sajb.2026.01.003","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.sajb.2026.01.003","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Among medicinal plants, the genus <em>Smilax</em> (family Smilacaceae) is widely distributed across all continents except Antarctica, with its rhizomes being the primary source of commercial and therapeutic value. <em>Smilax</em> has been traditionally used for centuries to treat a range of ailments, including diabetes, gout, rheumatism, skin disorders, and syphilis. This review provides an updated, comprehensive, and categorized overview of the botany, traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacological activities, and toxicological profiles of <em>Smilax</em> species. To date, at least 1058 compounds have been identified from <em>Smilax</em> species, including flavonoids, phenolic acids, steroidal saponins, polysaccharides, and stilbenoids. These isolated constituents exhibit a broad spectrum of pharmacological activities, including anticancer, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, antiviral, immunomodulatory, and hepatoprotective effects. Traditional knowledge, increasingly supported by pharmacological evidence, highlights the substantial therapeutic potential of <em>Smilax</em> species. However, most current findings are derived from preliminary <em>in vitro</em> and <em>in vivo</em> studies. Future research should focus on clinically relevant, mechanistic, and integrative approaches to fully elucidate therapeutic potential and facilitate the development of evidence-based applications.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21919,"journal":{"name":"South African Journal of Botany","volume":"190 ","pages":"Pages 77-110"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146024422","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}