Cynoglossum L.: A review on phytochemistry and chemotherapeutic potential

Abstract

The genus Cynoglossum L. contains about 75 species found in hot and temperate regions of Asia, Africa and Europe especially in Taiwan, Turkey, India, Kenya and China etc. The plants are mainly perennial with wide uniformity in external morphology which makes it most difficult taxonomical genus to study. The plants contains mainly pyrrolizidine alkaloids of many types and used as traditional medicines by tribals and vaids for cough, burns, wounds, ear infection, antibacterial and sometimes as veterinary medicines. Some plants of this genus are scientifically validated for antioxidant, antihyperlipidaemic, antidiabetic, antifertility, antitumor, anti-inflammatory, diuretic, analgesic and hepatoprotective activity.