Bioactivities of the Genus <em>Combretum</em> (Combretaceae): A Review

• Main Authors: Josean Fechine Tavares, Augusto Lopes Souto, Analúcia Guedes Silveira Cabral, José Maria Barbosa-Filho, Heloina de Sousa Falcão, Neyres Zínia Taveira de Jesus, Marcelo Ricardo Dutra Caldas Filho, Igor Rafael Praxedes de Sales, Gedson Rodrigues de Morais Lima, Leônia Maria Batista
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 2012-08-01
• Series: Molecules
• Subjects: Combretaceae; <em> Combretum</em> bioactivity; medicinal plants; natural products; review
• Online Access: http://www.mdpi.com/1420-3049/17/8/9142

The Combretaceae is a large family of herbs, shrubs and trees, comprising about 20 genera and 600 species with tropical distribution around the globe and centers of diversity in Africa and Asia. Some <em>Combretum</em> species are extensively used in traditional medicine against inflammation, infections, diabetes, malaria, bleeding, diarrhea and digestive disorders and others as a diuretic. The present work is a literature survey of <em>Combretum</em> species that have been evaluated for their ability to exert biological activities. A total number of 36 <em>Combretum</em> species are discussed with regard to plant parts used, component tested and bioassay models. This review is of fundamental importance to promoting studies on <em>Combretum</em> species, thereby contributing to the development of new therapeutic alternatives that may improve the health of people suffering from various health problems.