Bioactive Compounds and Biological Activities of Ruscus Species

Clarissa Marcelle Naidoo*, Serisha Gangaram, Yougasphree Naidoo, Yaser Hassan Dewir

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapterpeer-review

Abstract

The genus Ruscus (Asparagaceae) is comprised of seven species which include R. aculeatus L., R. colchicus Yeo., R. hypoglossum L., R. hypophyllum L., R. Hyrcanus Woronow., R. × microglossus Bertol., and R. streptophyllus Yeo. These perennial, rhizomatous, evergreen shrubs display a native distribution in the Mediterranean, Southern, and Western Europe areas. The rhizomes of the Ruscus species possess anti-inflammatory activity and are regularly used in traditional medicine for the treatment of urinary ailments, abdominal pain, vascular prevention, and skin disease. Ruscus species, especially R. aculeatus L., are a rich source of steroidal saponins which is responsible for their specific biological activities such as antihypertension, anti-hemorrhoids, and anti-venous sufficiency. This chapter aims to provide an updated overview of the phytochemical components and biological activities of Ruscus species to reveal their usage in traditional and modern medicine.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationReference Series in Phytochemistry
PublisherSpringer Science and Business Media B.V.
Pages671-690
Number of pages20
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2024
Externally publishedYes

Publication series

NameReference Series in Phytochemistry
VolumePart F2504
ISSN (Print)2511-834X
ISSN (Electronic)2511-8358

Keywords

  • Asparagaceae
  • Biological activity
  • Chemistry
  • Ruscus
  • Saponins
  • Steroids

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