Chemical Constituents and Biological Activities of Ozoroa Species: A Comprehensive Review

What is it about?

This review provides a comprehensive overview of the chemical constituents and biological activities of the Ozoroa genus (Anacardiaceae), which comprises approximately 870 species, primarily distributed across Africa. Several Ozoroa species are widely utilized in traditional medicine throughout South Africa and other African countries. Notable examples include O. obovata for stomach pain, O. insignis for intestinal worms and inflammation, O. mucronata for microbial infections, O. paniculata for respiratory diseases, O. longipes for tuberculosis, O. reticulata for anemia, O. sphaerocarpa for trypanosomiasis, and O. pulcherrima for helminth infections. Despite the recognized pharmacological potential of Ozoroa species, many remain underexplored. For instance, O. engleri and O. namaquensis have limited ethnomedicinal documentation, while O. schlechteri, O. leptophlebia, and O. macrocarpa have received little scientific attention. Additionally, comprehensive literature on the isolated chemical compounds from the Ozoroa genus remains scarce. The primary classes of specialized metabolites identified in Ozoroa species include terpenes, flavonoids, lipids, and phenolic acids, all of which exhibit documented pharmacological activities. Notable examples include: Ozoroalide (1) – Anti-inflammatory Properties; 2-Hydroxy-6‐[10(Z)‐heptadecenyl] salicylic acid (4) – Antimalarial activity; Betulinic acid (27) – Antimicrobial effects; Moronic acid (28) – Antiviral Properties; Ozoranone (34) – Anthelmintic activity; Avicularin (37) – Antitumor effects; Myricitrin (40) – Antidiabetic activity.

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Why is it important?

This review synthesizes current ethnobotanical, phytochemical, and biological research on Ozoroa species, highlighting their significance in African and Southern African regions. It underscores their diverse bioactivities and potential as sources of novel pharmacologically active natural compounds.

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