Neocarya macrophylla (Sabine) Plant: A Brief Review of its Phytochemical Properties and Pharmacology

Abstract

Background: The medicinal plant Neocarya macrophylla (Sabine) (Chrysobalanaceae) is widely used in traditional African medicine to treat a variety of conditions, including to relieve respiratory problems, diabetes, high blood pressure and eye inflammation. Its seeds and oil also have antioxidant properties; Because it is widely used in traditional medicine. Methodology: A documentary search was conducted using data from Google Scholar, PubMed, Elsevier, ScienceDirect, and Scifinder to examine published scientific reports on its composition and pharmacological properties. Results: The presence of flavonoids, tannins, terpenes, anthracenes, saponosides, cardiotonic heterosides and alkaloids. Other active compounds have been identified, including chlorogenic acid, hyperoside, procyanidin B2 and other procyanidins has been demonstrated by chemistry studies. It has been shown that this plant's extracts and the pure compounds that were isolated from it had antiveninic, antimicrobial, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antimycobacterial, anthelmintic, antidiabetic and antioxidant properties, among others. Acute toxicity studies conducted have confirmed the plant to be toxic. Conclusion: This review serves as a reference for research and development on N. macrophylla by offering an overview of all current advancements in the fields of pharmacology, phytochemistry, ethnopharmacology  and toxicity.