A Review of the Traditional Uses, Phytochemistry and Pharmacology of Bryophyllum pinnatum (Lam.) (Crassulaceae)

Abstract Bryophyllum pinnatum is a well-known medicinal plant that has been used in many traditional systems of medicines. This includes treating fever, smallpox, otitis, cough, asthma, headache, convulsion, and general debility. The various secondary metabolites identified from B. pinnatum include steroids, flavonoids, terpenoids, fatty acid, bufadienolides, protein and peptides, vitamins, polysaccharide, and others. Numerous studies have also shown that extracts and purified compounds from B. pinnatum exert a wide spectrum of pharmacological effects in vivo and in vitro. These include antimicrobial, anti-ulcer, antihypertensive, antileishmanial, anti-cancer, anti-diabetic, and immunomodulatory effects. This present paper presents a comprehensive review of the traditional uses, phytochemistry, and pharmacological studies on B. pinnatum over a period of thirty years with the aim of providing ready information that may trigger further research into the possible beneficial application of the plant. The review also includes some insight into the clinical uses and potential of B. pinnatum. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT