Highlighting the Therapeutic Potential and Identifying Research Gaps of Ethnobotanical Uses, Chemical Constituents, and Pharmacological Activities of Anthocleista djalonensis: A Scoping Review

Abstract

Anthocleista djalonensis is a medicinal plant widely used in traditional West African medicine for treating diabetes, infections, inflammation, infertility, and other conditions. The plant has recently attracted scientific interest due to its rich phytochemical composition and promising pharmacological properties. Hence, the objective of this paper was to undertake a scoping review of the ethnobotanical uses, chemical constituents, and pharmacological activities of A. djalonensis, highlighting its therapeutic potential and identifying research gaps. Using databases including PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar following the PRISMA guideline. The review revealed that various parts of A. djalonensis (roots, leaves, bark) are used ethnomedicinally across Africa for gastrointestinal, reproductive, infectious, and metabolic disorders. Phytochemicals identified include alkaloids, iridoids, xanthones, flavonoids, and terpenoids. Pharmacological studies report hypoglycemic, antiplasmodial, antimicrobial, antioxidant, analgesic, fertility-enhancing, and anthelmintic effects. Toxicological studies show low cytotoxicity at therapeutic doses. Anthocleista djalonensis holds significant promise as a source of therapeutic agents. However, standardized extraction methods, detailed mechanistic studies, comprehensive toxicology, and clinical trials are essential for validating its medicinal utility and ensuring safe integration into modern medicine.