Recent progress on phytochemistry and pharmacological activities of Grewia asiatica L. (Tiliaceae) and traditional uses
Surendra Swain, Shuvasree Bej, Chinmayee Priyadarsani Mandhata, Ajit Kumar Bishoyi, Chita Ranjan Sahoo, Rabindra N. Padhy
Abstract
Traditionally, fruits of Grewia asiatica L. are edible and the plant has several pharmaceutical efficacies, against various diseases of skin, heart, liver, blood sugar, cancer, diarrhea and fever. The plant contains several phytocompounds, flavonoids, tannins, amino acids, vitamins and anthocyanins, for use in drug development cascades. Its fruits contain several phytocompounds and the fruit-juice is directly taken as a healthy drink. This review examines ethnobotanical uses, botanical description, nutrient contents, phytochemistry and various known pharmacological activities namely, antimicrobial, antioxidant, anticancer and anti-inflammatory of G. asiatica , the flagship species among the other total 15 Grewia species. The plant had antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, antioxidant, anticancer, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, antiemetic, antipyretic, analgesic, antihyperlipidemic, hepatoprotective, gelling-polymeric, radioprotective, immunomodulator and nootropic activities. Its berries are rich in proteins, vitamins, macro-nutrients, fibers and essential amino acids; those can be directly eaten and several natural products could be utilized for the synthesis of druggable phytochemical agents. Indeed, this plant has several well-known phytochemicals with a wide range of biomedical values unlike several other tree species; since the berries of this plant are edible, it has promises of yielding nontoxic druggable agents. • Traditional uses and phytochemical compounds of curio of the plant are linked. • Pharmacological activities of the plant are related to phytochemistry study. • Providing insightful suggestions for future research on drug development.