PJB-2018-158
Recent Perception of the Ethnomedicinal Importance of Acacia ataxacantha DC.; its Pharmacology, Phytochemistry and Therapeutic Gains
Bello, Oluwasesan M. PhD.
Abstract
Ethnopharmacological relevance: Acacia ataxacantha DC. which is synonymous to Senegalia ataxacantha (DC.) Kyal. & Boatwr belongs to the family of leguminosae and sub-family mimosoideae, is one of the most famous medicinal plants used traditionally in managing many ailments in Nigeria particularly infectious diseases. The parts of A. ataxacantha has been used against digestive system disorders, chest ailments infestations, some use it in the management of sickle cell anemia, its used in the treatment of tooth decay, dysentery, bronchitis, cough and joint pain. Review Methodology: The literature relevant to the title i.e. Acacia ataxacantha, traditional uses of acacia ataxacantha, uses of A. ataxacantha was collected by searching the major scientific databases including SciFinder, Science-direct, Pubmed, Medline, google, SCOPUS, EBSCO, PROTA and also other Botanical/ plant databases and Google Scholar. Many publications’ sites were queried like Springer, Elsevier, and dissertation search engines like Open-thesis, OATD, ProQuest and EthOs were put to use. Results: The review shows only five compounds i.e. lupeol, betulinic acid, betulinic acid-3-trans-caffeate, acthaside and α-amyrenol have been isolated so far from A. ataxacantha. The phytochemical screening showed that it contains many valuable compounds such as lignans, flavonoids, hydrolysable tannins (ellagitannins), polyphenols, triterpenes, sterols and alkaloids. Chemical constituents isolated from parts of A. ataxacantha and its extracts show some pharmacological activities which includes antifungal, antibacterial, antioxidant, antiplasmodial, nephroprotective, antiulcer and laxative properties though the extract was accounted safe. There should be more pharmacological evidences for some of its traditional uses. A. ataxacantha is a non-nodulating species of Acacia and its importance to bees and bee-keeping is of great concern. Conclusion: The present review summarizes information concerning the botanical, ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry, biological activities, toxicological and agricultural importance of A. ataxacantha. However, there are few scientific/pharmacological studies to support the traditional use of this plant, the mechanisms behind these few biological activities of some active ingredients isolated from A. ataxacantha have been largely unknown to date. There should be studies focusing on the in vivo and in vitro activities of these constituents and then, for clinical trial if possible. The objective of this review is to gather studies and works till date on this plant so as to provide enough information for future research hence it is clear that the phytochemistry of this plant is yet to be explored fully.
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