Traditional Uses, Phytochemistry, Pharmacology, and Toxicology of Erigeron floribundus (Kunth) Sch. Bip.: a Review

Erigeron floribundus (Kunth) Sch. Bip. is a reputed medicinal plant widespread all over the world and used traditionally in the treatment of several diseases and infections such as skin disorders, malaria, and gastrointestinal infections. The purpose of this review is to provide a comprehensive overview of traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacological activity, and toxicological profile of E. floribundus, and to direct further studies on aspects that have not yet been investigated in order to bring more scientific data for this plant and then give an opportunity for future exploitation in pharmaceutical industries. A meticulous and methodical analysis of the literature was conducted using various online scientific databases and all relevant abstracts and full text articles analyzed and included in the review. A wide range of traditional uses are cited in the literature with the plant mostly being used in African folk medicine for the treatment of malaria and skin diseases. Phytochemical investigations of E. floribundus have resulted in the isolation of several metabolites from different classes including acetylene-derivatives, phenolic compounds, triterpenoids, and steroids. Extracts and isolates from this species were reported to exhibit promising antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic properties. However, the plant has also demonstrated some toxicological activities and should be used with caution. Reported chemical and pharmacological investigations of E. floribundus support the traditional uses of this plant which deserves further attention for antimicrobial drug discovery. The in-depth study should be emphasized the in vitro and in vivo antimicrobial assessment of its extracts and isolated compounds.