Traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology and other potential applications of Vitellaria paradoxa Gaertn. (Sapotaceae): A review

Vitellaria paradoxa Gaertn. is a multipurpose medicinal plant of the family Sapotaceae, and it has been widely used usually in the clinical traditional medicine as remedy for a wide range of diseases for several decades. In addition, the plant has also found applications in confectionery, cosmetics and soaps, and pharmaceuticals both locally and internationally. V. paradoxa, which has been identified with >150 phytoconstituents, is rich in oleanane-type triterpene acids and glycosides, such as paradoxosides A-E, tieghemelin A, parkiosides A-C, bassic acid, as well as flavonoids such as quercetin and catechin-type compounds. The extracts and the active constituents of V. paradoxa have been investigated for various pharmacological activities, including but not limited to anticancer, melanogenesis-inhibitory, antibacterial, anti-diabetic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-diarrhoeal, and antifungal activities. Additionally, V. paradoxa has also been utilized in nanoparticles (NPs) synthesis. These NPs among other things have shown significant antinociceptive and antiedematogenic activities as well as environmental friendly adsorptive properties for the removal of pollutants from pharmaceutical effluents. Overall, this review comprehensively examines the traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology, toxicology, clinical studies, and nanoparticles synthesized from V. paradoxa and their applications.