Abstract:

The genus Rhamnus belongs to the Rhamnaceae family, which contains approximately 137 species, traditionally used as folk medicine in East Asia, North and South America, and subtropical regions of Africa. The genus is used traditionally to treat diseases such as cancer, wound, jaundice, hepatitis, gonorrhea, laxative, hypertension, malaria, stomach ache, snake bite and diarrhea. Anthraquinones and flavonoids are the most cited compounds from the genus of which polyphenols were abundant with tremendous antioxidant, wound healing and antiinflammatory activities. Pharmacological activity evaluation of the extracts and isolated compounds revealed anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimalarial, antibacterial, anti-mutagenic, anti-genotoxic, hepatoprotective, anticancer, and anti-proliferative activity. The genus afforded drug leads such as 6-methoxysorigenin (12) and prinoidin (23) with anti-tyrosinase and cytotoxicity, respectively, as well as antioxidant drug leads such as Kaempferol-3-O-β-rhamninoside (31) rhamnetin-3-O-β-isorhamninoside (37) and isotorachrysone (55). The present review endeavors to provide a comprehensive and up to date compilation of documented traditional medicinal uses, phytochemicals and pharmacological activities of the genus and provided valuable information in support of its uses as an alternative medicine for future healthcare practice.

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