Vegetos
(An International Journal of Plant Research & Biotechnology)
Genus Abutilon: a comprehensive review of phytochemistry, traditional medicinal applications, botany and pharmacological effects
*Article not assigned to an issue yet
Pandey Varsha, Saxena Hari Om, Parihar Samiksha, Yadav Anil Kumar, Pawar Ganesh
Review Articles | Published: 02 July, 2025
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Keywords: n Abutilonn , Phytochemistry, Traditional uses, Pharmacological activities
Abstract
Medicinal plants have tremendous number of chemical compounds with several uses in human healthcare. About 150 annual or perennial herbs, shrubs, or even small trees belong to the genus Abutilon (Malvaceae) occurring in tropical and subtropical regions of Asia, America, Africa Australia. Traditionally, species of Abutilon have been used in ancient healing systems to treat a variety of human diseases, including cardiac depression, pain, inflammation, diabetes, neuronal disorders, kidney-related disorders, and rheumatism. Ancient practices, especially in Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicine, have recognized the therapeutic potential of Abutilon plants. In ancient times, Abutilon species were eaten, particularly the leaves, which were used as greens in a variety of culinary dishes. Certain species leaves contain high levels of vitamins and minerals, which have been documented in historical texts and oral traditions. In some cultures, the seeds were roasted and eaten for their high oil content. It exhibits antivenom, antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, anti-ulcer, anti-diabetic, nephroprotective, cytotoxicity, hepatoprotective, analgesic, anti-stress, cardiovascular, antioxidant, antiviral, diuretic activity etc. Coumarins, iridoids, phenolic acids, triterpenes, flavonoids, sterols, sphingolipids, quinines, megastigmanes and alkaloids are the secondary metabolites which have been identified in Genus Abutilon. However, more in-depth studies of the phytochemistry of Abutilon species may yield novel medicinal natural products with potential for use in medicine. The articles published from 1972 to 2024 have been included in this review. Comprehensive and relevant literature on the Abutilon species has been compiled through major databases including Google Scholar, Web of science, Research gate, CABI, Scopus, PubMed, Science direct, Academia and Elsevier. The objective of this review is to highlight the studies on the phytochemistry, pharmacological activities and traditional uses of various Abutilon species.
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Author Information
NWFP Section, Silviculture, Forest Management and Agroforestry Division, ICFRE-Tropical Forest Research Institute, Jabalpur, India