Traditional knowledge, phytochemistry, and pharmacological properties of the African genus Scadoxus (Amaryllidaceae)

The genus Scadoxus (family: Amaryllidaceae) is native to Africa and it comprises a great variety of ornamental, medicinal, and poisonous plant species. In India, it is represented by only a single species, Scadoxus multiflorus . The genus has a wide range of traditional uses. However, scientific validation of the traditional uses requires extensive pharmacognostic research along with toxicity and safety evaluation. Various scientific databases such as PubMed, Science Direct, Google Scholar, and Web of Science were utilized to search the research articles for this review. This review work is a comprehensive study of the genus Scadoxus about its taxonomy, geographical distribution, traditional uses, phytochemistry , toxicity, and pharmacological activities for the first time.