Combretum (Combretaceae): Biological activity and Phytochemistry

Combretum is the largest and most widespread genus of Combretaceae. The genus comprises approximately 200-250 species distributed throughout the tropical and subtropical regions mainly in Africa and Asia. Combretum has shown its potential as a source of various secondary metabolites. This review focuses on the chemistry of isolated compounds which is about 223 from 20 species as well as biological activity of extracts and phytochemicals of the genus Combretum. This review also focuses on ethnomedicinal practices of Combretum species. The phytochemicals reported from this genus are belonging to the various structural groups such as terpenoids, flavonoids, phenanthrenes and stilbenoids etc. Combretum extracts exhibited in vitro bioactivities such as antibacterial, antifungal, antihyperglycemic, cytotoxicity against various human tumor cell lines, anti-inflammatory, anti-snake, antimalarial and antioxidant effects. In vivo studies through various animal models have also shown promising results. The aim of this book is to boost up chemists, biologists and pharmacologists to undertake further systematic research work on this important genus.