An Updated Review of the Ethnopharmacological uses, phytochemistry and Selected Biological Activities of Genus Echinops L.

Abstract

The genus Echinops is one of the members of the Asteraceae family, which includes about 130 species. It contains a variety of secondary metabolites including thiophenes, alkaloids, essential oils, flavonoids, other phenolics, and terpenes. Numerous Echinops species have historically been utilized as medicines, primarily in Africa and Asia, which are traditionally used to treat pain, inflammation, respiratory conditions, and illnesses caused by various germs, as an aphrodisiac, and to remove kidney stones. The biological effects of diverse extracts, essential oils, and isolated chemicals from this genus's members are mostly anti-microbial, cytotoxic, and anti-diabetic. However, few species belonging to this genus are reported to have historical medicinal uses, but their biological effects have not been examined yet. The aim of this review is to assess the most recent data from several scientific research and studies that are accessible regarding the phytoconstituents and selected biological activities which involve the anti-diabetic, anti-malarial, anti-Trypanosoma, anti-microbial, cytotoxicity, and anti-Alzheimer activities of this genus as they may serve as a good source for new lead compounds that can be used in therapy.