Ornamental Plants of Bignoniaceae Family: Source of Bioactive Compounds with Therapeutic Applications and Ecological Services

Abstract

The Bignoniaceae family, comprising over 100 genera and 800 species, is a rich source of ornamental plants with medicinal properties. This review focuses on the pharmacological uses, bioactive compounds, and future aspects of selected ornamental plants of the Bignoniaceae family, including Pyrostegia venusta, Jacaranda mimosifolia, Tabebuia spp., and others. These plants have been traditionally used to treat various ailments, and recent studies have confirmed their antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. The bioactive compounds responsible for these properties include alkaloids, flavonoids, and phenolic acids. This review highlights the potential of these plants as a source of new medicinal agents and their applications in sustainable agriculture and horticulture including their ecological significances. Further research into the cultivation, bioactive compounds, and medicinal properties of these plants is warranted to unlock their full therapeutic potential. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the ornamental plants of the Bignoniaceae family and their potential uses in medicine and beyond.