Bozorgi M, Amin G, Shekarchi M, Rahimi R. Traditional medical uses of Drimia species in terms of phytochemistry, pharmacology and toxicology.
J TRADIT CHIN MED 2018;
37:124-39. [PMID:
29960283 DOI:
10.1016/s0254-6272(17)30036-5]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Drimia genus includes plants that used from ancient time for various ailments such as dropsy, respiratory
ailment, bone and joint complications, skin disorders, epilepsy and cancer. Toxic properties
of some Drimia species also were noted by ancient scientists and these plants have been traditionally
used for rat control. Bufadienolides have been identified as the main constituents in the genus of
Drimia. Phenolics, sterols, protein and some of other phytochemicals have been also isolated from
these plants. Pharmacological and clinical studies have strongly approved their effect on cardiovascular
system. Extracts and compounds isolated from Drimia species showed biological activities such as
antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and insecticidal effects through several
in vivo and in vitro studies. Moreover, cytotoxic and antitumor activities which may be related
to bufadienolide content of these plants have been considered by many researchers. Traditional therapeutic
values of these plants for treating respiratory and rheumatic ailments as well as skin disorders
are needed to be validated through more researches. Toxic effects of these plants and isolated compounds
have been investigated through several in vivo studies. Drimia plants and their isolated compounds
have narrow therapeutic index, so patients should be prohibited from applying these plants
without medical supervision and should be informed about the main intoxication symptoms before
starting treatment. Moreover, interaction of Drimia plants with other constituents of traditional
herbal mixtures as well as chemical and biological modalities for reducing toxicity of bufadienolide
compounds can be subjected for future studies.
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