Home Traditional uses, biological activities, and phytochemicals of Lecaniodiscus cupanioides: a review
Article
Licensed
Unlicensed Requires Authentication

Traditional uses, biological activities, and phytochemicals of Lecaniodiscus cupanioides: a review

  • Olusesan Ojo and Derek T. Ndinteh EMAIL logo
Published/Copyright: April 1, 2021
Become an author with De Gruyter Brill
Submit Manuscript Author Information
Physical Sciences Reviews
From the journal Physical Sciences Reviews Volume 8 Issue 4

Abstract

Medicinal plants are indispensable source of therapeutic agents, and have proved to be “warehouse” of lead drug candidates. Lecaniodiscus cupanioides Planch. ex Benth is a medicinal tree plant that is extensively distributed in both Asia and Africa. The species has many ethnomedicinal uses in the treatment of fever, cough, typhoid, wound, skin infection, measles, jaundice, diabetes, sexual dysfunction, cancer, bone fracture, and as galactogogues. In the recent decades, the extracts and phytochemicals of L. cupanioides have been investigated to possess antibacterial, anticancer, aphrodisiac, antifungal, cytotoxic, antidiabetic, antiprotozoal, antioxidant, antidiarrhoeal, analgesic and ameliorative properties. However, triterpenoids which have been linked to its anticancer and antifungal actions, are the only isolated active constituents identified from the species despite the results of the phytochemical screenings and reported biological activities. Moreover, the mechanisms of action of the extracts and active components are yet to be fully elucidated. This paper provides a general review on the ethnomedicinal, phytochemicals, and biological activities of L. cupanioides, and lays a solid foundation for future investigations on the plant.

Keywords: biological activity; ethnomedicine; Lecaniodiscus cupanioides ; medicinal plants; phytochemicals
Corresponding author: Derek T. Ndinteh, Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Johannesburg, Doornfontein, Johannesburg 2028, South Africa, E-mail:

Funding source: National Research Foundation (NRF), South Africa/The World Academy of Science (TWAS), Italy

Award Identifier / Grant number: Grant Number 116110

  1. Author contributions: All the authors have accepted responsibility for the entire content of this submitted manuscript and approved submission.

  2. Research funding: This work was supported by the National Research Foundation (NRF), South Africa (Ref: Grant Number 116110).

  3. Conflict of interest statement: The authors declare no conflict of interest.

References

1. Oliveira, I, Sousa, A, Ferreira, IC, Bento, A, Estevinho, L, Pereira, JA. Total phenols, antioxidant potential and antimicrobial activity of walnut (Juglans regia L.) green husks. Food Chem Toxicol 2008;46:2326–31. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fct.2008.03.017.Search in Google Scholar PubMed

2. Gurib-Fakim, A. Medicinal plants: traditions of yesterday and drugs of tomorrow. Mol Aspect Med 2006;27:1–93. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mam.2005.07.008.Search in Google Scholar PubMed

3. Verma, S, Singh, SP. Current and future status of herbal medicines. Vet World 2008;1:347. https://doi.org/10.5455/vetworld.2008.347-350.Search in Google Scholar

4. World Health Organization. The world traditional medicines situation. Issues Chall 2011;3:1–14.Search in Google Scholar

5. Bello, MO, Abdul-Hammed, M, Ogunbeku, P. Nutrient and anti-nutrient phytochemicals in Ficus exasperata Vahl leaves. Int J Sci Eng Res 2014;5:2177–81.Search in Google Scholar

6. Abu-Lafi, S, Rayan, B, Kadan, S, Abu-Lafi, M, Rayan, A. Anticancer activity and phytochemical composition of wild Gundelia tournefortii. Oncol Lett 2019;17:713–7. https://doi.org/10.3892/ol.2018.9602.Search in Google Scholar PubMed PubMed Central

7. Dutta, T, Paul, A, Majumder, M, Sultan, RA, Emran, TB. Pharmacological evidence for the use of Cissus assamica as a medicinal plant in the management of pain and pyrexia. Biochem Biophys Rep 2020;21:100715. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bbrep.2019.100715.Search in Google Scholar PubMed PubMed Central

8. Ibrahim, N, Kebede, A. In vitro antibacterial activities of methanol and aqueous leave extracts of selected medicinal plants against human pathogenic bacteria. Saudi J Biol Sci 2020;27:2261–8. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sjbs.2020.06.047.Search in Google Scholar PubMed PubMed Central

9. Maryam, M, Te, KK, Wong, FC, Chai, TT, Gary, K, Gan, SC. Antiviral activity of traditional Chinese medicinal plants Dryopteris crassirhizoma and Morus alba against dengue virus. J Integr Agriv 2020;19:1085–96. https://doi.org/10.1016/S2095-3119(19)62820-0.Search in Google Scholar

10. Moreno, MA, Zampini, IC, Isla, MI. Antifungal, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity of bi-herbal mixtures with medicinal plants from Argentinean highlands. J Ethnopharmacol 2020;253:112642. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2020.112642.Search in Google Scholar PubMed

11. Altemimi, A, Lakhssassi, N, Baharlouei, A, Watson, DG, Lightfoot, DA. Phytochemicals: extraction, isolation, and identification of bioactive compounds from plant extracts. Plants 2017;6:42. https://doi.org/10.3390/plants6040042.Search in Google Scholar PubMed PubMed Central

12. Newman, DJ, Cragg, GM. Natural products as sources of new drugs over the 30 years from 1981 to 2010. J Nat Prod 2012;75:311–35. https://doi.org/10.1021/np200906s.Search in Google Scholar PubMed PubMed Central

13. Newman, DJ, Cragg, GM. Natural products as sources of new drugs from 1981 to 2014. J Nat Prod 2016;79:629–61. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.jnatprod.5b01055.Search in Google Scholar PubMed

14. Angerhofer, CK, Guinaudeau, H, Wongpanich, V, Pezzuto, JM, Cordell, GA. Antiplasmodial and cytotoxic activity of natural bisbenzylisoquinoline alkaloids. J Nat Prod 1999;62:59–66. https://doi.org/10.1021/np980144f.Search in Google Scholar PubMed

15. Klayman, DL. Qinghaosu (artemisinin): an antimalarial drug from China. Science 1985;228:1049–55. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.3887571.Search in Google Scholar PubMed

16. Kingston, DG. Taxol, an exciting anticancer drug from Taxus brevifolia: an overview. In: Human medicinal agents from plants. ACS symposium series, ACS Publication, Washington; 1993, vol 534:138–48 pp.10.1021/bk-1993-0534.ch010Search in Google Scholar

17. Rashid, S, Ahmad, M, Zafar, M, Anwar, A, Sultana, S, Tabassum, S, et al.. Ethnopharmacological evaluation and antioxidant activity of some important herbs used in traditional medicines. J Tradit Chin Med 2016;36:689–94. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0254-6272(16)30091-7.Search in Google Scholar PubMed

18. Burkill, HM. The useful plants of West Tropical Africa, vol 5, Families S–Z, Addenda. Kew, Richmond, United Kingdom: Royal Botanic Gardens; 1985.Search in Google Scholar

19. Keay, RWJ. Trees of Nigeria. New York, USA: Oxford University Press; 1989:191 p.10.1093/oso/9780198545606.001.0001Search in Google Scholar

20. Chauhan, NS, Sharma, V, Dixit, VK, Thakur, M. A review on plants used for improvement of sexual performance and virility. BioMed Res Int 2014;2014:1–19. https://doi.org/10.1155/2014/868062.Search in Google Scholar PubMed PubMed Central

21. Hermans, M, Akoègninou, A, van der Maesen, J. Medicinal plants used to treat malaria in Southern Benin. Econ Bot 2004;58:S239–52. https://doi.org/10.2307/4256921.Search in Google Scholar

22. Ajiboye, TO, Nurudeen, QO, Yakubu, MT. Aphrodisiac effect of aqueous root extract of Lecaniodiscus cupanioides in sexually impaired rats. J Basic Clin Physiol Pharmacol 2014;25:241–8. https://doi.org/10.1515/jbcpp-2013-0061.Search in Google Scholar PubMed

23. Soladoye, MO, Ikotun, T, Chukwuma, EC, Ariwaodo, JO, Ibhanesebor, GA, Agbo-Adediran, OA, et al.. Our plants, our heritage: preliminary survey of some medicinal plant species of Southwestern University Nigeria Campus, Ogun State, Nigeria. Ann Biol Res 2013;4:27–34.Search in Google Scholar

24. Olusola, JA, Oyeleke, OO. Survey and documentation of medicinal plants in Wildlife Park of Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria. Int J Life Sci Res 2015;3:238–46.Search in Google Scholar

25. Borokini, TI, Clement, M, Dickson, NJ, Edagbo, DE. Ethnobiological survey of traditional medicine practice for skin related infection in Oyo State, Nigeria. Topclass J Herb Med 2013;2:103–10.Search in Google Scholar

26. Segun, PA, Ogbole, OO, Ajaiyeoba, EO. Medicinal plants used in the management of cancer among the Ijebus of Southwestern Nigeria. J Herb Med 2018;14:68–75. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.hermed.2018.04.002.Search in Google Scholar

27. Lawal, IO, Uzokwe, NE, Igboanugo, ABI, Adio, AF, Awosan, EA, Nwogwugwu, JO, et al.. Ethno medicinal information on collation and identification of some medicinal plants in Research Institutes of South-West Nigeria. Afr J Pharm Pharmacol 2010;4:001–7. https://doi.org/10.5897/AJPP.9000135.Search in Google Scholar

28. Aworinde, DO, Erinoso, SM. Ethnobotanical investigation of indigenous plants used in the management of some infant illnesses in Ibadan, South-Western Nigeria. Afr J Tradit, Complementary Altern Med 2015;12:9–16.10.4314/ajtcam.v12i1.2Search in Google Scholar

29. Diallo, A, Traore, MS, Keita, SM, Balde, MA, Keita, A, Camara, M, et al.. Management of diabetes in Guinean traditional medicine: an ethnobotanical investigation in the coastal lowlands. J Ethnopharmacol 2012;144:353–61. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2012.09.020.Search in Google Scholar PubMed

30. Yemitan, OK, Adeyemi, OO. CNS depressant activity of Lecaniodiscus cupanioides. Fitoterapia 2005;76:412–8. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fitote.2005.02.010.Search in Google Scholar PubMed

31. Gbadamosi, IT, Okolosi, O. Botanical galactogogues: nutritional values and therapeutic potentials. J Appl Biosci 2013;61:4460–9. https://doi.org/10.4314/jab.v61i0.85594.Search in Google Scholar

32. Adeniyi, A, Asase, A, Ekpe, PK, Asitoakor, BK, Adu-Gyamfi, A, Avekor, PY. Ethnobotanical study of medicinal plants from Ghana; confirmation of ethnobotanical uses, and review of biological and toxicological studies on medicinal plants used in Apra Hills Sacred Grove. J Herb Med 2018;14:76–87. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.hermed.2018.02.001.Search in Google Scholar

33. Sofidiya, MO, Jimoh, FO, Aliero, AA, Afolayan, AJ, Odukoya, OA, Familoni, OB. Antioxidant and antibacterial properties of Lecaniodiscus cupanioides. Res J Microbiol 2008;3:91–8. https://doi.org/10.3923/jm.2008.91.98.Search in Google Scholar

34. Ogbole, OO, Segun, PA, Fasinu, PS. Antimicrobial and antiprotozoal activities of twenty-four Nigerian medicinal plant extracts. South Afr J Bot 2018;117:240–6. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sajb.2018.05.028.Search in Google Scholar

35. Kafu, ES, Adebisi, O. Phytochemical and antibacterial activity of three medicinal plants found in Nasarawa State. Int J Sci Res Publ 2015;5:164–8.Search in Google Scholar

36. Kazeem, AA, Ashafa, AOT. Evaluation of cytotoxic effects and antimicrobial activities of Lecaniodiscus cupanioides (Planch.) leaf extract. Trans Roy Soc S Afr 2017;72:33–8. https://doi.org/10.1080/0035919X.2016.1214851.Search in Google Scholar

37. Oboh, IE, Obasuyi, O, Akerele, JO. Phytochemical and comparative antibacterial studies on the crude ethanol and aqueous extracts of the leaves of Lecaniodiscus cupanoides Planch (Sapindaceae). Acta Pol Pharm 2008;65:565–9.Search in Google Scholar

38. Okore, VC, Ugwu, CM, Oleghe, PO, Akpa, PA. Selective anti-candidal action of crude aqueous pod extract of Lecaniodiscus cupanioides: a preliminary study on Candida albicans obtained from an AIDS patient. Sci Res Essays 2007;2:043–6.Search in Google Scholar

39. Ncube, NS, Afolayan, AJ, Okoh, AI. Assessment techniques of antimicrobial properties of natural compounds of plant origin: current methods and future trends. Afr J Biotechnol 2008;7:1797–806. https://doi.org/10.5897/AJB07.613.Search in Google Scholar

40. Gibbons, S. Anti-staphylococcal plant natural products. Nat Prod Rep 2004;21:263–77. https://doi.org/10.1039/B212695H.Search in Google Scholar PubMed

41. Nazemiyeh, H, Rahman, MM, Gibbons, S, Nahar, L, Delazar, A, Ghahramani, MA, et al.. Assessment of the antibacterial activity of phenylethanoid glycosides from Phlomis lanceolata against multiple-drug-resistant strains of Staphylococcus aureus. J Nat Med 2008;62:91–5. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11418-007-0194-z.Search in Google Scholar PubMed

42. Alaoui, HL, Oufdou, K, Mezrioui, NE. Determination of several potential virulence factors in non-o1 Vibrio cholerae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, faecal coliforms and streptococci isolated from Marrakesh groundwater. Water Sci Technol 2010;61:1895–905. https://doi.org/10.2166/wst.2010.263.Search in Google Scholar PubMed

43. Adeyemi, OO, Yemitan, OK, Adeogun, OO. Analgesic activity of the aqueous root extract Lecaniodiscus cup anioides. W Afr J Pharmacol Drug Res 2004;20:10–4. https://doi.org/10.4314/wajpdr.v20i1.14738.Search in Google Scholar

44. Nafiu, MO, Abdulsalam, TA, Jimoh, RO, Kazeem, MI. Ameliorative effect of Lecaniodiscus cupanioides (Sapindaceae) aqueous root extract in loperamide-induced constipated rats. Trop J Pharmaceut Res 2015;14:1057–62. https://doi.org/10.4314/tjpr.v14i6.17.Search in Google Scholar

45. Ogbunugafor, HA, Okpuzor, J, Igwo-Ezikpe, MN, Ezekwesili, CN, Nebedum, JO, Ekechi, AC, et al.. Anti-inflammatory medicinal plants: the effect of three species on serum antioxidant system and lipids levels in rats. NISEB J 2011;11:105–13.Search in Google Scholar

46. Oladimeji-Salami, JA, Akindele, AJ, Adeyemi, OO. Effects of ethanolic dried leaf extract of Lecaniodiscus cupanioides on antioxidant enzymes and biochemical parameters in rats. J Ethnopharmacol 2014;155:1603–8. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2014.07.059.Search in Google Scholar PubMed

47. Nafiu, MO, Abdulsalam, TA, Akanji, MA. Phytochemical analysis and antimalarial activity aqueous extract of Lecaniodiscus cupanioides root. J Trop Med 2013;2013:1–4. https://doi.org/10.1155/2013/605393.Search in Google Scholar PubMed PubMed Central

48. World Health Organization. Trypanosomiasis, human African (sleeping sickness). Geneva, Switzerland: World Health Organization; 2013. factsheet 259.Search in Google Scholar

49. Adesegun, SA, Coker, HA, Hamann, MT. Antifungal triterpenoid saponins from Lecaniodiscus cupanioides. Res J Phytochem 2008;2:93–9. https://doi.org/10.3923/rjphyto.2008.93.99.Search in Google Scholar

50. Straadt, IK, Kongstad, KT, Stærk, D. Identification of fungal plasma membrane H+-ATPase inhibitors in Lecaniodiscus cupanioides by HPLC-HRMS-SPE-NMR. In: Poster session presented at the 36th Danish NMR meeting, Lund, Sweden; 2015.Search in Google Scholar

51. Ugorji, OL, Okore, VC. Biophysical characteristics of Clotrimazole creams formulated with saponin from seeds of Lecanoidiscus cupanoides. Afr J Pharmaceut Res Dev 2014;6:24–9.Search in Google Scholar

52. Adesegun, SA, Coker, HAB, Hamann, MT. Anti-cancerous triterpenoid saponins from Lecaniodiscus cupanioides. J Nat Prod 2014;7:155–61.Search in Google Scholar

53. Ogbole, OO, Segun, PA, Adeniji, AJ. In vitro cytotoxic activity of medicinal plants from Nigeria ethnomedicine on Rhabdomyosarcoma cancer cell line and HPLC analysis of active extracts. BMC Compl Alternative Med 2017;17:494–504. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12906-017-2005-8.Search in Google Scholar PubMed PubMed Central

54. Suffness, M, Pezzuto, JM. Assays related to cancer drug discovery. In: Hostettmann, K, editor. Methods in plant biochemistry. London: Assays for Bioactivity, Academic Press; 1991, vol 6:71–133 pp.Search in Google Scholar

55. Joshua, ZP, Timothy, AG. Toxicity studies of the aqueous root extract of Lecaniodiscus cupanioides on albino rats. Sci World J 2011;6:27–9.Search in Google Scholar

56. Ayokun-nun, AA, Adewale, AR, Adekilekun, A, Agbomekhe, Y, Adedayo, SM. Kinetics of inhibitory effect of ethyl acetate leaf fraction of Lecaniodiscus cupanoides on enzymes linked to carbohydrate metabolism: an in vitro assessment. Adv Herb Med 2017;3:37–51.Search in Google Scholar

57. Saliu, JA. Redox potential and antidiabetic properties of Lecaniodiscus cupanioides in vitro. SF J Anal Biochem 2018:1–9.Search in Google Scholar

58. Nurudeen, QO, Ajiboye, TO. Aqueous root extract of Lecaniodiscus cupanioides restores the alterations in testicular parameters of sexually impaired male rats. Asian Pac J Reprod 2012;1:120–4. https://doi.org/10.1016/S2305-0500(13)60062-7.Search in Google Scholar

59. Nurudeen, QO, Ajiboye, TO, Yakubu, MT, Oweh, OT, Nosarieme, O. Aqueous root extract of Lecaniodiscus cupanioides restores nitric oxide/cyclic guanosine monophosphate pathway in sexually impaired male rats. J Ethnopharmacol 2015;175:181–4. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2015.09.008.Search in Google Scholar PubMed

60. Muanya, CA, Odukoya, OA. Lipid peroxidation as index of activity in aphrodisiac herbs. Plant Sci 2008;3:92–8. https://doi.org/10.3923/jps.2008.92.98.Search in Google Scholar

61. Olujobi, OJ. Evaluation of the nutritive composition of five indigenous tree leaves used as vegetable in Ekiti State. J Agric Environ Sci 2015;4:185–97. https://doi.org/10.15640/jaes.v4n1a23.Search in Google Scholar

62. Dike, MC. Proximate, phytochemical and nutrient compositions of some fruits, seeds and leaves of some plant species at Umudike, Nigeria. ARPN J Agric Biol Sci 2010;5:7–16.Search in Google Scholar

63. Abe, AI, Wakeel, OK, Olapade, MK. Bioassay-guided fractionation of antinociceptive effect of Lecaniodiscus cupanioides using mice. Eur J Pharmaceut Med Res 2019;6:88–95.Search in Google Scholar

64. Oritsegbemi, TN, Uwumarongie, OH. Phytochemical and antidiarrhoeal evaluation of the hexane and methanol extracts of the leaf of Lecaniodiscus cupanioides Planch (Sapindaceae). J Pharmaceut Allied Sci 2015;12:2210–8.Search in Google Scholar

65. Joseph, OO, Fayomi, OSI, Adenigba, OA. Effect of Lecaniodiscus cupaniodes extract in corrosion inhibition of normalized and annealed mild steels in 0.5 M HCl. Energy Procedia 2017;119:845–51. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.egypro.2017.07.136.Search in Google Scholar

66. Encarnación, R, Kenne, L, Samuelsson, G, Sandberg, F. Structural studies on some saponins from Lecaniodiscus cupanioides. Phytochemistry 1981;20:1939–42. https://doi.org/10.1016/0031-9422(81)84039-3.Search in Google Scholar

67. Lavaud, C, Voutquenne, L, Massiot, G, Le Men Olivier, L, Delaude, C. Triterpenoid saponins from Smelophyllum capense (Sapindaceae). Belgium: Bulletin de la Societe Royale des Sciences de Liege; 1994, vol 63:455–63 pp.Search in Google Scholar

68. Adesanya, SA, Martin, MT, Hill, B, Dumontet, V, Van Tri, M, Sévenet, T, et al.. Rubiginoside, a farnesyl glycoside from Lepisanthes rubiginosa. Phytochemistry 1999;51:1039–41. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0031-9422(98)00701-8.Search in Google Scholar

69. Helen, IZ, Cesar, AL, Gnanakaran, S. Permeability barrier of gram-negative cell envelopes and approaches to bypass it. ACS Infect Dis 2015;11:512–22. https://doi.org/10.1021/acsinfecdis.5b00097.Search in Google Scholar PubMed PubMed Central

Published Online: 2021-04-01

© 2021 Walter de Gruyter GmbH, Berlin/Boston

Articles in the same Issue

  1. Frontmatter
  2. Reviews
  3. Non-collinear magnetism & multiferroicity: the perovskite case
  4. Fluorescent styryl chromophores with rigid (pyrazole) donor and rigid (benzothiophenedioxide) acceptor – complete density functional theory (DFT), TDDFT and nonlinear optical study
  5. Investigating the biological actions of some Schiff bases using density functional theory study
  6. Traditional uses, biological activities, and phytochemicals of Lecaniodiscus cupanioides: a review
  7. Protein modeling
  8. Advancements in cancer chemotherapy
  9. Synthesis of magnetic ferrogels: a tool-box approach for finely tuned magnetic- and temperature-dependent properties
https://doi.org/10.1515/psr-2020-0207
Keywords for this article
biological activity; ethnomedicine; Lecaniodiscus cupanioides; medicinal plants; phytochemicals

Articles in the same Issue

  1. Frontmatter
  2. Reviews
  3. Non-collinear magnetism & multiferroicity: the perovskite case
  4. Fluorescent styryl chromophores with rigid (pyrazole) donor and rigid (benzothiophenedioxide) acceptor – complete density functional theory (DFT), TDDFT and nonlinear optical study
  5. Investigating the biological actions of some Schiff bases using density functional theory study
  6. Traditional uses, biological activities, and phytochemicals of Lecaniodiscus cupanioides: a review
  7. Protein modeling
  8. Advancements in cancer chemotherapy
  9. Synthesis of magnetic ferrogels: a tool-box approach for finely tuned magnetic- and temperature-dependent properties
Sign up now to receive a 20% welcome discount
Institutional Access
How does access work?
Have an idea on how to improve our website?
Please write us.
© 2025 De Gruyter Brill
Downloaded on 10.9.2025 from https://www.degruyterbrill.com/document/doi/10.1515/psr-2020-0207/pdf
Scroll to top button