Ethnobotany and Pharmacological Uses of Elaeocarpus floribundus Blume (Elaeocarpaceae)

Elaeocarpus floribundus Blume belongs to the Elaeocarpaceae family which is widely distributed across warm regions like Madagascar, Mauritius, India, Southeast Asia, and Hawaii. In recent years, there has been a drive to unveil unique pharmacological activities and new bioactive compounds that could be prophylactic in nature. This food plant has been used for traditional purposes to treat/manage diseases like diabetes, hypertension, dysentery, and rheumatism. Though the fruit is well used by men as pickles and chutney, there is lack of an integrated research and critical appraisal of the existing literature on the use of Elaeocarpus floribundus. One element to consider that has attracted researchers to this plant is the wide array of pharmacological potential that the Elaeocarpaceae family has been highlighted for. The Eleocarpaceae is well known for the presence of indolizidine alkaloid and inhibitory properties against glucosidases. Another facet of interest is potentially of multitude cucurbitacin in the Elaeocarpaceae family which has documented to possess a diversity of health benefits. Various compounds have been isolated from different species of the genus Elaeocarpus such as the cucurbitacins D and F, 1,2,3,4,6-penta-O-galloyl-b-d-glucose, and rudrakine that has been associated with therapeutic effects on many diseases. The aim is to bring to light this highly undocumented plant and existing pharmacological activities that have been expressed by parts of the plant. Current findings on E. floribundus have shown a plethora of phytochemicals especially phenolic compounds. It has also been reported to exhibit antibacterial, inhibitory action against glucosidases and also interesting inhibitory effect against HeLa cancer cell as well as strong cytotoxic activities on the proliferation of four human cancer cells. Thus, this plant has realm of possibility to be used in treatment of diabetes, cancer, and infectious diseases. This amalgamation of ethnobotanical and pharmacological data would enable a well-rounded understanding of Elaeocarpus floribundus and its wider potential. The highlights so far have been attractive and promise potential outlets with different pharmacological properties.