Phytochemical and pharmacological review of Erica Genus (L.) Ericaceae plants

Background and Purpose

The Erica genus, part of the Ericaceae family, consists of diverse evergreen shrubs known for their vibrant floral displays and adaptation to nutrient-poor soils. Traditionally, these plants have been used for their pharmacological properties, including anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and antioxidant effects. Despite their widespread ethnomedicinal use, a comprehensive review of the pharmacological potential of Erica species is still lacking.

Study Design and Methods

This review presents an overview of the phytochemical, ethnomedicinal, pharmacological and toxicological properties of Erica species. A systematic literature search was conducted using online databases to identify primary studies on the Erica genus. Keywords such as “Erica,” “antioxidant,” “anti-inflammatory,” “toxicology,” “phytochemistry,” “anticancer,” “antidiabetic,” “antidiuretic,” “pharmacology,” “ethnomedicine” and “cytotoxicity” were employed. The search covered studies published from July 1980 to February 2023. All plant names were verified through "The Plant List" (http://www.theplantlist.org/) and PlantZAfrica (https://pza.sanbi.org/), while chemical structures were confirmed using ChemDraw Ultra and PubChem(https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/). Over 60 bioactive compounds, including myricetin, rutin and luteolin, were identified, exhibiting anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, antidiabetic and anticancer properties. Additionally, traditional uses of Erica plants by indigenous cultures in treating various ailments were documented, highlighting the importance of this genus in ethnomedicine.

Conclusion

This review provides a comprehensive reference for researchers, offering insights into the therapeutic potential of Erica species and guiding future investigations into their pharmacological benefits.