The genus Polyscias (Araliaceae): A phytochemical and biological review

The plant genus Polyscias (family Araliaceae) comprises about 116 species that are widely used for ornamental purposes and some, bear potential medicinal value. Polyscias species are represented as perennial shrubs and are commonly cultivated in southeastern Asia and the Pacific region. Studies on species of this genus have provided essential data regarding the chemical composition and pharmacological activities of Polyscias extracts and isolated secondary metabolites. Phytochemical investigations of Polyscias species revealed the isolation of about 97 chemical compounds from various chemical classes, including saponins as major constituents. Biological studies demonstrated that Polyscias extracts and their bioactive compounds possess antibacterial, antifungal, cytotoxic, immuno-stimulant, wound healing and anti-asthmatic activities. Bearing potential value for drug discovery, regardless of the presented data, further studies are required to investigate other Polyscias species, to assess the biological activities of their extracts as well as the isolated chemical compounds and to identify the suggested underlying mechanisms of action for their pharmacological activities.