Mechanistic insight into anti-inflammatory potential, phytochemistry and ethnomedicinal status of Ilex species: a review

Inflammation assists in the healing process as a part of the natural defensive mechanism. Apart from the healing process, inflammatory mechanisms contribute to the progression and development of a range of ailments, including asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, and so on. A new anti-inflammatory medication that is safe, potent, non-toxic, or less toxic is now required as the existing anti-inflammatory and non-steroidal drugs are associated with various side effects. In this context, we have reviewed the genus Ilex for traditional uses related to inflammation and anti-inflammatory properties (in vitro and in vivo) by utilizing databases like PubMed, Google Scholar, and Science Direct. According to ethnomedicinal information, these plants have been used to treat various inflammatory conditions. A total of 12 species were found with anti-inflammatory potential, where some studies were conducted using crude extracts and others with pure compounds. Many chemical compounds have been reported from the Ilex species; however, the bioactive composition explored for anti-inflammatory effects include rotundarpene, triterpenoid saponins, chlorogenic acid, ursolic acid, ilexgenin A, isoquercetin, kaempferol, ilexchinenosides J-Q and salicifoneoliganol. The mechanistic insights into how Ilex species deal with inflammatory stimuli in the mitogen-activated protein kinase, nuclear factor-κB, PI3K/Akt/mTOR, Janus kinase-signal transducer and activator of transcription, and arachidonic acid pathways have also been highlighted. The toxicity profile of studies has also been discussed to assess safety. These plants can be developed as drug-developing candidates after detailed follow-up studies.