Review On Variation In Genetic And Chemical Constituents Of Strychnos Henningsii Populations In Kenya

Abstract

Strychnos henningsii is an indigenous medicinal plant species widely used in tropical Africa. Studies have revealed that this plant has been used as a remedy for various ailments including rheumatism, gastrointestinal complications, abdominal pains, syphilis, snakebites, diabetes malaria, and arthritis amongst others. Phytochemical and pharmacological studies have identified various compounds such as alkaloids, anthraquinones, cardiac glycosides, chalcones, flavonoids, phenolics, proanthocyanidins, saponins, steroids, tannins and triterpenes from the crude extracts of S. henningsii. These chemical constituents exhibited analgesic, antibacterial, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiplasmodial, antiprotozoal, antispasmodic as well as cytotoxicity activities. Secondary metabolites are known to aid plants in coping with various environmental stresses. Environmental stress triggers expression of genes for the enzymes involved in biosynthesis of secondary metabolites, many of which have higher medicinal value despite being useful in plant defense mechanisms. This paper is a review on the chemical constituents, pharmacological properties and genetic variation of S henningsii across its geographical range.