A comprehensive review on phytochemistry, folkloric uses and pharmacological including toxicity profiles of Codiaeum variegatum L.

A plant's ability to affect human physiological functions is attributed to the presence of a chemical compound. These substances fall into two groups: main and secondary metabolites. Metabolic processes produce secondary metabolites that are crucial to a plant's defence mechanism, whereas primary metabolites are required for a plant's growth and development. Alkaloids, carbohydrates, glycosides, steroids, flavonoids, coumarins, fatty acids, terpenoids and phenols are examples of secondary metabolites. Codiaeum variegatum, also known as the miracle shrub, is a plant that belongs to the family Euphorbiaceae. It is usually utilized as an interior plant for decorative purposes due to its beautiful, colourful and large leaves. This review aims to provide a concise summary of the most important and recent information available about C. variegatum. This plant is highly valued for its content of important secondary metabolites with various therapeutic activities, including antioxidant, Antidiarrheal, Anticonvulsant, Antiinflammatory, Antipyretic, antiamoebic, antimicrobial, antiviral and anticancer properties. Flavonoids, phenolic acids, stilbenes, alkaloids, sterols and fatty acids were the major secondary metabolites identified and isolated from C. variegatum. This study was chosen because C. variegatum is a rich plant with various secondary metabolites, serving as a reference for researchers interested in this plant. This review article examines the phytochemical composition, Folkloric uses, pharmacological activities versus toxic potential of C. variegatum. It is made by evaluation of publishing on C. variegatum listed in the online databases Web of Science, Springer Link, PubMed, Science Direct, Scopus and Google Scholar was run between 1980 and 2024 and interesting researches was founded related to the traditional uses, phytochemicals, profile of toxicity and pharmacological activity of C. variegatum and the essential and valued sections were chosen to be reviewed. The results suggest that the Iraqi C. variegatum plant is a promising natural source that can be utilized in nutrition and medicine, because of its safety and efficacy profile. It provides a basis for researchers and opens the door to studying, testing, evaluating and developing compounds of great value for human health.