Harnessing the medicinal properties of Cussonia barteri Seem. (Araliaceae) in drug development. A review

Summary Cussonia barteri Seem (Araliaceae) is a deciduous tree growing in savannah of Africa. Ethnomedicinally, it is used in Africa as an analgesic, anti-malarial, anti-inflammatory, anti-anaemic, anti-diarhoea, anti-poison, ani-pyschotic and anti-epileptic agent. This review provides a brief summary on the phytochemical screenings, ethnomedicinal and pharmacological applications of various parts of C. barteri. Leaves, stem bark and seed of C. barteri have been shown to be rich in saponins, flavonoids, phenols, sugars and alkaloids. Some of these constituents have been isolated and elucidated from C. barteri. Several compounds isolated from plant include triterpenes, saponins, polyenyne and quinic esters. Phytochemical constituents are also partly responsible for biological activities of C. barteri. Extracts and components isolated from the plant have demonstrated neuropharmacological, anti-larvicidal, anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities. Overall, the insights provided by this review reinforce the potential of C. barteri for drug development and create the need for further scientific probe of constituents of the plant with the aim of developing novel drug candidates.