Current knowledge on traditional uses, phytochemistry, toxicity and biological activity of Rourea Coccinea (Schumach & Thonn.) Benth

Rourea coccinea is a vegetable species of Connaraceae family generally found in West Africa and in intertropical Africa, which has important medicinal property. The purpose of this work is to make the review of the botanical, ethno-pharmacological, phytochemical, pharmacological and toxicological studies of Rourea coccinea carried out until December 2019. The collected data from several databases shows that Rourea coccinea mainly used in Africa in the treatment of malaria, hypertension, edema, rheumatism, diarrhea and gonorrhea. Phytochemical investigations carried out on different parts of plant revealed the presence of saponins, reducing sugar, steroids, glycosides, anthraquinones and polyphenolic substances. These compounds are responsible for the variety of effects pharmacological of the plant. Toxicological tests conducted on the species indicate the absence of toxicity of the leaves, stem and root of the plant. However, more in-depth toxicological and pharmacological tests are necessary in order to discover the therapeutic potential of this plant.