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Review
. 2021 Mar 5;10(3):494.
doi: 10.3390/plants10030494.

Understanding the Ethnobotany, Chemistry, Pharmacology, and Distribution of Genus Hydnora (Aristolochiaceae)

Elijah Mbandi Mkala  1   2   3   4 , Moses Mutuse Mutungi  1   2   3 , Elizabeth Syowai Mutinda  1   2   3 , Millicent Akinyi Oulo  1   2   3 , Vincent Okelo Wanga  1   2   3 , Geoffrey Mwachala  4 , Guang-Wan Hu  1   2   3
Affiliations
Review

Understanding the Ethnobotany, Chemistry, Pharmacology, and Distribution of Genus Hydnora (Aristolochiaceae)

Elijah Mbandi Mkala et al. Plants (Basel). .

Abstract

The genus Hydnora (Hydnoraceae) is one of the basal angiosperms in the order Piperales, found in the semi-arid regions of Africa, and the Southern Arabian Peninsula. Plants in this genus play essential roles in communities around the world as revealed by various studies. Currently, there are eight species of the genus Hydnora; seven in Africa and one in the Arabian Peninsula. Notably, Hydnora abyssinica A.Br. and Hydnora africana Thunb. are widely distributed compared to other species. They are widely used for their medicinal and nutritional values. The information on ethnobotany, chemistry, pharmacology, and distribution of genus Hydnora was gathered using phytochemical and ethnobotanical books, electronic sources, and published articles. Preliminary phytochemical screening shows that flavonoids, phenolics, proanthocyanidins, and tannins are the main compounds in H. abyssinica and H. africana. Furthermore, 11 compounds have been isolated from H. abyssinica. The biological activities of H. abyssinica and H. africana have been reported. They include antibacterial, antiproliferative, antioxidant, antidiarrhea, and antifungal potentials. Despite the Hydnora species being practiced in ancient folkloric medicine, their traditional uses and pharmacological value are poorly documented. Based on the available information on ethnobotany, phytochemistry, pharmacology, and distribution, we aim to provide research gaps and challenges for a better understanding of this genus. This may be resourceful in the development of effective phytomedicines, and aid in conservation. The available studies on this genus on some aspects such as phytochemistry, pharmacological activities, and distribution are under-reported hence the need for further research.

Keywords: Hydnora; biological activities; chemistry; ethnopharmacology; geographical distribution.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Flower of Hydnora abyssinica: (A) H. abyssinica plant growing, (B) images of other young H. abyssinica plant, (C) internal part of the flower, (D) fruit containing seeds white like rice, (E–G) floral parts; Ea—osmophores, Ga—androecial part, Gc—antheral rings, (F) outer part of the H. abyssinica plant.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Distribution of Hydnora species in Africa and Arabian Peninsula adapted from [50].
Figure 3
Figure 3
Ethnobotanical and other uses of Hydnora species in Africa and the Arabian Peninsula.
Figure 4
Figure 4
Utilized plant parts of Hydnora species.
Figure 5
Figure 5
Diseases treated using Hydnora species in Africa and the Arabian Peninsula.
Figure 6
Figure 6
Chemical structures of H. abyssinica characterized using gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis.
Figure 7
Figure 7
Chemical structures of isolated compounds from H. abyssinica.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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