Phytochemicals of Markhamia Species (Bignoniaceae) and Their Therapeutic Value: A Review

Aims: To present a compilation of data regarding the phytochemical content and pharmacological activities pertaining to genus Markhamia as one of 120 genera belonging to family Bignoniaceae.

Study Design: Literature was collected from various published textbooks and scientific papers then the required data was summarized and presented in both tabulated form and concise text.

Results: Phenyl propanoids, triterpenic acids and anthraquinones are the major phytochemicals reported in this genus. Traditional clinical practice demonstrated that the different species of Markhamia were used in curing anaemia and bloody diarrhoea in Africa as well as other ethnopharmacological uses. Many reports were published explaining the activity of the extracts of various species of Markhamia as potential anti-inflammatory, antiparasitic, anthelmintic, analgesic, anti-viral, antimicrobial and anti-fungal agents.

Conclusion: This review presents an overview on the reported phytochemicals isolated from different Markhamia species and the biological activities associated with various Markhamia extracts and isolated compounds.