Ethnomedicinal, Phytochemistry and Pharmacological Actions of Leaf Extracts of Spondias mombin: A Narrative Review

Abstract

Spondias mombin Linn is one of the species belonging to the (Family: Anacardiaceae), its ethnomedicinal uses may be justified
through many studies that reported potential pharmacological properties due to its phytochemical compounds. This review aimed
at examining the ethnomedicinal uses, phytochemical compounds and pharmacological properties of S. mombin leaf extract on
the African continent, to justify its use in the management and/ or treatment of viral infections and cancers. Electronic databases
such as Google Scholar, SciHub, PubMed and Science Direct with search dates between 1999 and 2019 were used. Findings
from this review confirm the ethnomedicinal uses, of decoctions and infusions of S. mombin leaf extracts for management
diseases such as malaria, sore throat, and inflammation disorders; studies confirmed the presence of phytochemical compounds
such as Geraniin, 2-O-Caffeoyl-(+)-allohydroxycitric acid, Quercetin-3-O-β-D-glucopyranoside and pelandjuaic acid,
responsible for the antiviral and chemotherapeutic properties. However, there is a need for bio-assay-guided extractions,
isolation, identification and characterization of phytochemical compound(s) in the leaf extracts of S. mombin that may be
responsible for antiviral and anti-cancer activity. Investigations of the pharmacological action, in silico and in vitro studies of
known and /or newly isolated compounds are warranted in the management and /or treatment of viral infections such as Severe
Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2, and cancers to justify the use of leaf extracts of S. mombin on the African continent
for the management of viral infections and or cancer.