A review of the ethnomedical uses, phytochemistry and pharmacology of the Euphorbia genus
Author(s):
Olounladé Abiodoun Pascal, Azando Erick Virgyle Bertrand, Tchétan Esaïe, Hounzangbé-Adoté Mawulé Sylvie and Attakpa Yatchégnon Eloi
Abstract:
The genus Euphorbia (spurges, Euphorbiaceae) is the third largest genus of flowering plants, with almost 2000 species. These species was distributed throughout the world. Uses of the plants to treat diseases vary according to the population. In India, many species of Euphorbia are used in the treatment of asthma and respiratory tract inflammations. Moreover, especially in Angola, some species of spurges are used against diarrhea, skin ailments, gonorrhea, tumours, asthma, coughs, and dysentery. Phytochemistry studies showed that the Euphorbia genus contain mainly, triterpenoids, diterpenoids, flavonoids, tannin and polyphenol. The investigation of biological activity of these compounds sowed different response according to the molecules extract. Many diterpenoids know to have cytotoxicity and anticancer activity. The tripernoids and flavonoids of Euphorbia genus were useful to treat the anti-inflammation and inhibition of virus replication.
How to cite this article:
Olounladé Abiodoun Pascal, Azando Erick Virgyle Bertrand, Tchétan Esaïe, Hounzangbé-Adoté Mawulé Sylvie, Attakpa Yatchégnon Eloi. A review of the ethnomedical uses, phytochemistry and pharmacology of the Euphorbia genus. Pharma Innovation 2017;6(1):34-39.