Ethnobotanical, Phytochemical and Therapeutic Aspects of Myrica esculenta Buch. -Ham. ex D. Don (Myricaceae): A Comprehensive Review

Abstract

Background: Myrica esculenta Buch. -Ham. ex D. Don (Myricaceae) is a Himalayan medicinal and edible species with substantial ethnobotanical, nutritional and therapeutic relevance. Its fruits, bark, leaves, roots and flowers are used by indigenous communities and in Ayurvedic preparations for diverse health-related purposes. Aim: This review aims to consolidate the available literature on the taxonomy, distribution, botanical features, ethnomedicinal uses, nutritional value, phytochemistry, pharmacological activities, toxicity profile, translational challenges, conservation needs and future prospects of M. esculenta. Methods: Published literature up to 2026 was reviewed using PubMed, ScienceDirect, Scopus, Web of Science and Google Scholar. Relevant peer-reviewed articles, reviews, books and authenticated English-language sources were screened, and information on plant parts, bioactive constituents, experimental models and reported activities was narratively synthesised. Results: The reviewed evidence indicates that M. esculenta contains diverse phytoconstituents, including phenolic acids, flavonoids, diarylheptanoids, terpenes, steroids, tannins, volatile compounds, glycosides and amino acids. Its fruits are nutritionally valuable, while different extracts and isolated constituents have shown antioxidant, anticancer, chemopreventive, antibacterial, anthelmintic, hepatoprotective, antidiabetic, anxiolytic, anti-inflammatory, wound healing, analgesic and antihypertensive activities in experimental studies. Available toxicity reports suggest a limited safety database, and the evidence remains largely preclinical. The species is also threatened by overharvesting, habitat degradation, restricted cultivation and poor natural regeneration, which may affect the sustainability of medicinal and commercial use. Conclusion: M. esculenta represents a valuable medicinal and nutritional resource with promising pharmacological potential. However, standardisation, mechanistic studies, expanded toxicity assessment, clinical validation and sustainable conservation strategies are required before its wider therapeutic application can be reliably supported within evidence-based herbal medicine.