Phytochemistry, Ethnopharmacology, and Pharmacology of <i>Lessertia frutescens</i> (Cancer Bush): A Comprehensive Review

<i>Lessertia frutescens</i> (L.) Goldblatt & J.C.Manning (synonym <i>Sutherlandia frutescens</i>), commonly known as cancer bush, is one of the most prominently used South African medicinal plants, with a rich history of traditional uses among indigenous communities. Its...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Kadidiatou O. Ndjoubi, Rajan Sharma, Ahmed A. Hussein
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-07-01
Series:Plants
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Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2223-7747/14/14/2086
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Summary:<i>Lessertia frutescens</i> (L.) Goldblatt & J.C.Manning (synonym <i>Sutherlandia frutescens</i>), commonly known as cancer bush, is one of the most prominently used South African medicinal plants, with a rich history of traditional uses among indigenous communities. Its phytochemical profile showed different metabolites such as amino acids, fatty acids, sugars, flavonoid glycosides, cycloartenol glycosides, and oleanane-type saponins. Moreover, several research studies have highlighted the promising therapeutic effects of <i>L. frutescens</i> in combating various cancer cell lines. Additionally, the plant demonstrated potent immunomodulatory, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, neuroprotective, antistress, and antimicrobial activities. These research findings highlight <i>L. frutescens</i> as a promising candidate for the development of new or complementary therapies for a range of diseases and conditions. This review analyses the chemical and biological properties of <i>L. frutescens</i> based on 154 articles identified through SciFinder. Of these, 78 articles, including two patents, met the inclusion criteria and were reviewed. Studies focused on agriculture and horticulture were excluded as they fell outside the scope of this research.
ISSN:2223-7747