Explorative Study of the Phytochemistry and Bioactivity of Caesalpinia benthamiana: A Review
Joshua Inanabor Isibor*, Vincent Oghenerobo Imieje, Favour Ufoma Akpokiro, Timothy Olugbenga Adeyemi and Chukwudebe Eccepacem
ABSTRACT
Caesalpinia benthamiana (C. benthamiana), a member of the family Fabaceae, and genus Caesalpinia is a Tropical African Plant whose roots, stem barks and leaves and/or their extracts have has gained significant attention in traditional uses due to their diverse and promising bioactive properties. This review seeks to explore current literature on phytochemistry and biological activities of C. benthamiana. Previous Studies have revealed significant presence of bioactive phytochemicals such as flavonoids, phenolics, alkaloids, tannins, steroids and saponins. Flavonoids possess strong antioxidant activity such as free radicals scavenging activities and thus helps reduce oxidative stress, and prevent diseases such as cancer and related cardiovascular disorders. Phenolics, are primarily involved in antioxidant and antimicrobial actions, protecting cells from oxidative damage. Alkaloids are known anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and anticancer agents. Tannins, steroids and saponins are also significant for antimicrobial and related biological activities. Although analysis of plant extracts with known advanced methods has revealed presence of bioactive compounds such as phytols, gallic acid and quercetin derivatives; notable gaps still exist in the isolation of specific compounds present and the elucidation of their mechanisms of action. This review explores the potential of C. benthamiana as a source of bioactive molecules for relevant nutraceutical and pharmaceutical development.
