Glochidion Species: A Review on Phytochemistry and Pharmacology

Objectives The genus Glochidion (the family Phyllanthaceae) is used for various medicinal purposes, such as dysentery, diarrhea, cough, and skin protection. A review of phytochemical and pharmacological aspects for this remains unavailable. The current study tends to sum up a detailed list of phytochemicals, and their role in biological examinations. Methods References in English were obtained by an extensive search across various electronic data sources, encompassing Web of Science, PubMed, Google Scholar, and Science Direct. The “Sci-Finder” was also utilized to find references and revise chemical structures. Referenced documents have been gathered from the 1960s to date. It also noted that Glochidion, phytochemistry, and pharmacology are likely the keywords to seek for references. Results Over 240 naturally occurring phytochemicals were isolated and identified from various Glochidion tissues, including terpenoids, sterols, saponins, lignans, flavonoids, mono-phenols, megastigmanes, butenolides, glycosides, alkaloids, cyanogens, tocopherols, fatty acids, and others. Three naturally occurring triterpenoids glochidonol, glochidiol, and glochidone are the likely characteristic metabolites, being isolated frequently. Glochidion crude extracts and their isolated compounds have been demonstrated as potential agents in various pharmacological targets, such as cytotoxicity, antioxidant, antiinflammation, and neuron and liver protection. Conclusion Several isolates acted as promising agents in pharmacological assays. The anticancer mechanisms of various triterpenoids and saponins, especially new and potential compounds, are expected. Pharmacological advancements to enhance the efficacies of Glochidion constituents, such as synergistic combinations and nano-drug formulations, are encouraged.