Ethnobotany, phytochemistry, pharmacology and toxicity of Hagenia abyssinica (Bruce) J.F.Gmel.: a review

Hagenia abyssinica: (Bruce) J.F.Gmel. (H. abyssinica), commonly known as “kosso,” is a prevalent phytomedicine addressing aliments across Ethiopia. Traditionally, it is used to treat fever, abdominal pain, respiratory illnesses, intestinal parasitic infections, wound healing, and cancer. Current res...

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Main Authors: Guohui Shi, Linlin Ni, Yang Zhang, Zhizi Qu, Xiaoni Kong, Honglei Zhou, Yan Xu
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Frontiers Media S.A. 2025-06-01
Series:Frontiers in Pharmacology
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Online Access:https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fphar.2025.1593724/full
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author Guohui Shi
Guohui Shi
Linlin Ni
Yang Zhang
Zhizi Qu
Xiaoni Kong
Honglei Zhou
Yan Xu
author_facet Guohui Shi
Guohui Shi
Linlin Ni
Yang Zhang
Zhizi Qu
Xiaoni Kong
Honglei Zhou
Yan Xu
author_sort Guohui Shi
collection DOAJ
description Hagenia abyssinica: (Bruce) J.F.Gmel. (H. abyssinica), commonly known as “kosso,” is a prevalent phytomedicine addressing aliments across Ethiopia. Traditionally, it is used to treat fever, abdominal pain, respiratory illnesses, intestinal parasitic infections, wound healing, and cancer. Current research has revealed its anthelmintic, antimicrobial, antihyperglycemic, antidyslipidemic, antidiarrheal, and antioxidant activities. These pharmacological properties might be attributed to the presence of secondary metabolites, such as terpenoids, flavonoids, and phenols. Its crude extract is safe in vivo at doses less than 2,000 mg/kg, but larger doses can cause damage to the optic nerve. Although significant research findings are available, challenges remain. This paper provides a comprehensive review of research findings, identifying gaps in mechanistic studies and standardized toxicology assessments. Future priorities include applying ConPhyMP guidelines for extract characterization and integrating traditional knowledge with biodiversity conservation.
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institution OA Journals
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language English
publishDate 2025-06-01
publisher Frontiers Media S.A.
record_format Article
series Frontiers in Pharmacology
spelling doaj-art-5cc5e6aa7a894a5492a298fdc7aee8a02025-08-20T02:22:01ZengFrontiers Media S.A.Frontiers in Pharmacology1663-98122025-06-011610.3389/fphar.2025.15937241593724Ethnobotany, phytochemistry, pharmacology and toxicity of Hagenia abyssinica (Bruce) J.F.Gmel.: a reviewGuohui Shi0Guohui Shi1Linlin Ni2Yang Zhang3Zhizi Qu4Xiaoni Kong5Honglei Zhou6Yan Xu7Medical School, Shandong Xiehe University, Jinan, ChinaCollege of Pharmacy, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, ChinaThe Second Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, ChinaCollege of Pharmacy, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, ChinaCollege of Pharmacy, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, ChinaCollege of Pharmacy, Shandong College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Yantai, Shandong, ChinaCollege of Pharmacy, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, ChinaMedical School, Shandong Xiehe University, Jinan, ChinaHagenia abyssinica: (Bruce) J.F.Gmel. (H. abyssinica), commonly known as “kosso,” is a prevalent phytomedicine addressing aliments across Ethiopia. Traditionally, it is used to treat fever, abdominal pain, respiratory illnesses, intestinal parasitic infections, wound healing, and cancer. Current research has revealed its anthelmintic, antimicrobial, antihyperglycemic, antidyslipidemic, antidiarrheal, and antioxidant activities. These pharmacological properties might be attributed to the presence of secondary metabolites, such as terpenoids, flavonoids, and phenols. Its crude extract is safe in vivo at doses less than 2,000 mg/kg, but larger doses can cause damage to the optic nerve. Although significant research findings are available, challenges remain. This paper provides a comprehensive review of research findings, identifying gaps in mechanistic studies and standardized toxicology assessments. Future priorities include applying ConPhyMP guidelines for extract characterization and integrating traditional knowledge with biodiversity conservation.https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fphar.2025.1593724/fullHagenia abyssinica (Bruce) J.F.Gmel.traditional usesphytochemistrypharmacologytoxicity
spellingShingle Guohui Shi
Guohui Shi
Linlin Ni
Yang Zhang
Zhizi Qu
Xiaoni Kong
Honglei Zhou
Yan Xu
Ethnobotany, phytochemistry, pharmacology and toxicity of Hagenia abyssinica (Bruce) J.F.Gmel.: a review
Frontiers in Pharmacology
Hagenia abyssinica (Bruce) J.F.Gmel.
traditional uses
phytochemistry
pharmacology
toxicity
title Ethnobotany, phytochemistry, pharmacology and toxicity of Hagenia abyssinica (Bruce) J.F.Gmel.: a review
title_full Ethnobotany, phytochemistry, pharmacology and toxicity of Hagenia abyssinica (Bruce) J.F.Gmel.: a review
title_fullStr Ethnobotany, phytochemistry, pharmacology and toxicity of Hagenia abyssinica (Bruce) J.F.Gmel.: a review
title_full_unstemmed Ethnobotany, phytochemistry, pharmacology and toxicity of Hagenia abyssinica (Bruce) J.F.Gmel.: a review
title_short Ethnobotany, phytochemistry, pharmacology and toxicity of Hagenia abyssinica (Bruce) J.F.Gmel.: a review
title_sort ethnobotany phytochemistry pharmacology and toxicity of hagenia abyssinica bruce j f gmel a review
topic Hagenia abyssinica (Bruce) J.F.Gmel.
traditional uses
phytochemistry
pharmacology
toxicity
url https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fphar.2025.1593724/full
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