From Ethnomedicine to Evidence-Based Therapeutics: Phytoconstituents and Bioefficacy of Euphorbia pulcherrima

Abstract

Background: Euphorbia pulcherrima, also known as poinsettia, is a medicinally significant decorative plant that has long been used for managing wounds, skin conditions, respiratory conditions, and inflammation. The plant's therapeutic potential is due to its bioactive phytoconstituents, like flavonoids, triterpenoids, alkaloids, phenolics, saponins, and glycosides. Objective: The present review aims to comprehensively summarize the phytochemical composition, pharmacological activities, and therapeutic potential of the plant, while highlighting existing research gaps and future prospects for drug development. Methodology: Relevant literature on Euphorbia pulcherrima involving phytochemical analysis, compound isolation, biological evaluation, molecular docking studies, and in vitro as well as in vivo pharmacological investigations was systematically collected and reviewed for the preparation of this study. Results: Phytochemical analysis of Euphorbia pulcherrima identified major bioactive constituents including rutin, spinacetin, patuletin, eupulcherol A, and several triterpenoids. Pharmacological studies demonstrated significant antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus with inhibition zones up to 18 mm, while red leaf extracts exhibited notable antioxidant activity (DPPH IC₅₀ = 79.77 ppm). Eupulcherol A showed neuroprotective potential by delaying Aβ₂–₄₂-induced paralysis in Caenorhabditis elegans. Spinacetin and patuletin displayed analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities through interactions with COX- 2, GABAᴀ, and μ-opioid receptors. Biosynthesized silver/silver chloride nanoparticles exhibited anticancer activity against Ehrlich ascites carcinoma via apoptosis induction through upregulation of p53 and Bax and downregulation of Bcl-2. Furthermore, isolated triterpenoids effectively inhibited osteoclastogenesis with minimal cytotoxicity. Conclusion: Euphorbia pulcherrima exhibits diverse pharmacological activities attributed to its rich bioactive constituents, including antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, anticancer, and anti- osteoclastogenic effects. However, further mechanistic, toxicological, standardization, and clinical studies are essential to validate its therapeutic potential and ensure safe phytopharmaceutical development.