Peltophorum (Caesalpinioideae, Fabaceae): a review on ethnobotanical, pharmacological and phytochemical profiles

Abstract

Introduction: Seven species of three are recognised in the genus Peltophorum, distributed in the tropics and subtropics of America, South Africa, Asia, and Oceania. These species are used as ornamentals, restorers of degraded ecosystems, and forestry, providing commercially valuable wood. This review aims to analyse the different records of biological activity reported for the genus. Methods: Bibliographic searches were conducted across various recognised databases, including Google Scholar, PubMed, Scopus, ScienceDirect, and Portal da Periódicos da CAPES. The searches encompassed articles, research theses, and books specifically addressing ethnobotany, isolated chemical constituents, and bioactivities within Peltophorum species. The exploration covered the years 1982–2023, and the connectors ´and´ and ´or´ were used. Results: The total number of articles on the genus Peltophorum evaluated was 85, with seven excluded based on the editor´s requirements and the nature of the research. This study comprehensively investigated the seven taxonomically recognised species, documenting the activities of synonyms and updating their nomenclatural binomials under the International Plant Names Index (IPNI). The review considered the diverse biological activities associated with these species, encompassing antiparasitic, antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimutagenic, and traditional medicinal uses such as analgesic, hepatoprotective, and cardioprotective effects, among others. Analysis of phytochemical groups linked to different bioactivities revealed a predominance of phenolic compounds, coumarins, flavonoids, saponins, and tannins. Conclusions: A detailed review of the Peltophorum genus was presented, inclusive of the phytochemical background, as well as various pharmacological and ethnobotanical activities. This contribution provides valuable information for future research.