ABSTRACT
This review provides up-to-date and comprehensive information on the botany, ethnomedicinal uses, phytochemistry and pharmacological activities of Leea species. The genus Leea comprises about 36 species of medicinally important herbs in tropical and subtropical countries. Among these species, L. asiatica, L. guineensis, L. indica, L. macrophylla, L. philippinensis, L. rubra, L. tetramera and L. thorelli have been investigated either chemically, pharmacologically or both. Secondary metabolites reported in the genus Leea include phenolics, flavonoids, coumarins, terpenoids and steroids. The genus Leea is used traditionally to heal wounds and bone fractures, to facilitate birth and to treat various conditions such as diarrhoea, stomachache, urinary disorders, gastric ulcer, dysentery, malaria, viral fever, skin disorders, sexual debility in males, leucorrhoea and arthritis. Pharmacological studies have shown that different extracts/fractions of the genus Leea exhibit various activities including analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, antiproliferative, nephroprotective and wound healing activities. The patents on Leea species indicate their growing relevance in the pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, cosmeceutical and food and beverage industries. In view of the promising pharmaceutical applications, coupled with limited research on Leea species currently, there is a need for more extensive chemical and pharmacological evaluations, as well as investigations on potential mechanisms of action, safety considerations and clinical applications.
