A systematic review on ethnobotany, phytochemistry, and pharmacology of Ehretia acuminata R. Br. (Boraginaceae), a medicinal plant

For the first time, critical review on E. acuminata R. Br. (Boraginaceae) is established. A glance over its botanical description, geographic distribution, subspecies classification and traditional uses revealed its application in medical and non-medical purposes by ethnic communities in Asia and Australia. Numerous classes of phytoconstituents have been screened and isolated from E. acuminata parts, including phenolics, alkaloids, terpenoids, glycosides, saponins, tannins, lignans, steroids, volatile oils, and fatty acid esters. Crude extracts prepared from different parts were acclaimed with considerable to significant performance in anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, antimicrobial, antiviral, analgesic effect, muscle relaxant, antispasmodic effects, hepatoprotective, wound healing, and photoprotective activities. However, no report linking these pharmacological activities with their isolated phytochemicals can be found which is required to authenticate its role in traditional medicine. Accordingly, the review provides a comprehensive and categorised overview towards current research of E. acuminata R. Br., their limitations, and possible perspectives for future research.