Ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry and current formulation approaches as pharmaceutical excipient and dosage forms of <i>Chrysophyllum albidum</i>- A review

Abstract

Ethnopharmacology, studies natural medicines derived from plants and other natural substances that have been traditionally used by diverse ethnic groups to treat various types of human diseases. Generally, the term can be used to refer to the studies correlating ethnic groups, their health, and how it relates to their physical habits and methodology in the preparation and use of medicines. This review is an assemblage of the traditional, phytochemical and ethnopharmacological studies carried out by different groups of researchers to investigate Crysopyllum albidum commonly
known as African Star Apple. This is with respect to the methods of collection, extraction, preparation and its ethnopharmacologic properties that are widely exploited in nutrition, and to treat many human health challenges such as, diarrhea, stomach ache, skin eruption, nausea in pregnant women, malaria, yellow fever, etc. The review will help to collate some of the various current approaches by different researchers to formulate aspects of the plant parts either as extract(s) or powders into acceptable pharmaceutical dosage forms. Efforts made by many groups of   researchers to evaluate the different parts of the plant (stem, barks, fruits, seed cotyledons, seed and leaves) as suitable pharmaceutical excipients have been highlighted. Toxicological studies on this plant show that Chrysophyllum albidum (African Star Apple) has no significant toxicity; this therefore supports its safe use for the benefit of human health. It is however recommended that further investigations be conducted to authenticate claimed reports.

Keywords: Chrysophyllum albidum, formulation, excipient, tablets, syrups