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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MDPI AG
2025-07-01
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| author | Kadidiatou O. Ndjoubi Rajan Sharma Ahmed A. Hussein |
| author_facet | Kadidiatou O. Ndjoubi Rajan Sharma Ahmed A. Hussein |
| author_sort | Kadidiatou O. Ndjoubi |
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| description | <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. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-3ed5cedc8d8149fbb5d8be489391ab4e |
| institution | Kabale University |
| issn | 2223-7747 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-07-01 |
| publisher | MDPI AG |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Plants |
| spelling | doaj-art-3ed5cedc8d8149fbb5d8be489391ab4e2025-08-20T03:56:45ZengMDPI AGPlants2223-77472025-07-011414208610.3390/plants14142086Phytochemistry, Ethnopharmacology, and Pharmacology of <i>Lessertia frutescens</i> (Cancer Bush): A Comprehensive ReviewKadidiatou O. Ndjoubi0Rajan Sharma1Ahmed A. Hussein2Chemistry Department, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Bellville Campus, Symphony Road, Bellville 7535, South AfricaChemistry Department, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Bellville Campus, Symphony Road, Bellville 7535, South AfricaChemistry Department, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Bellville Campus, Symphony Road, Bellville 7535, South Africa<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.https://www.mdpi.com/2223-7747/14/14/2086<i>Lessertia frutescens</i><i>Sutherlandia frutescens</i>cancer bushethnopharmacologyphytochemistryphytotherapy |
| spellingShingle | Kadidiatou O. Ndjoubi Rajan Sharma Ahmed A. Hussein Phytochemistry, Ethnopharmacology, and Pharmacology of <i>Lessertia frutescens</i> (Cancer Bush): A Comprehensive Review Plants <i>Lessertia frutescens</i> <i>Sutherlandia frutescens</i> cancer bush ethnopharmacology phytochemistry phytotherapy |
| title | Phytochemistry, Ethnopharmacology, and Pharmacology of <i>Lessertia frutescens</i> (Cancer Bush): A Comprehensive Review |
| title_full | Phytochemistry, Ethnopharmacology, and Pharmacology of <i>Lessertia frutescens</i> (Cancer Bush): A Comprehensive Review |
| title_fullStr | Phytochemistry, Ethnopharmacology, and Pharmacology of <i>Lessertia frutescens</i> (Cancer Bush): A Comprehensive Review |
| title_full_unstemmed | Phytochemistry, Ethnopharmacology, and Pharmacology of <i>Lessertia frutescens</i> (Cancer Bush): A Comprehensive Review |
| title_short | Phytochemistry, Ethnopharmacology, and Pharmacology of <i>Lessertia frutescens</i> (Cancer Bush): A Comprehensive Review |
| title_sort | phytochemistry ethnopharmacology and pharmacology of i lessertia frutescens i cancer bush a comprehensive review |
| topic | <i>Lessertia frutescens</i> <i>Sutherlandia frutescens</i> cancer bush ethnopharmacology phytochemistry phytotherapy |
| url | https://www.mdpi.com/2223-7747/14/14/2086 |
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