A comprehensive review on ethnomedicinal uses, phytochemistry, toxicology, and pharmacological activities of Dittrichia viscosa (L.) Greuter

Abstract

<i>Dittrichia viscosa</i> is a perennial herb that has been used for generations in traditional medicine to address a variety of diseases, including diabetes, hypertension, cancer, microbial disorders, inflammatory conditions, and wound healing. The objective of this review is to provide an overview of existing knowledge on <i>D. viscosa</i> with regards to its botanical description, ethnomedicinal uses, and pharmacological properties. Databases such as Scopus, Wiley-Online, PubMed, Springer, Google Scholar, and ScienceDirect were used to select relevant articles based on their title and abstract. The reviewed studies found a strong correlation between <i>D. viscosa</i>'s traditional uses and its observed biological effects. Pharmacological research has shown that the essential oils and extracts from <i>D. viscosa</i> possess a variety of biological activities, such as anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antibacterial, antifungal, analgesic, and antioxidant properties. The chemical compounds found in <i>D. viscosa</i> include sesquiterpenes, monoterpenes, flavonoids, and phenolic acids; some of these compounds, such as tometosin and inuviscolide, have been isolated and displayed promising cytotoxic and anti-inflammatory activity. The present review suggests that the pharmacological properties of <i>D. viscosa</i> align well with its ethnomedicinal uses. These findings support the traditional use of <i>D. viscosa</i> in treating various illnesses. Additionally, toxicological examinations of <i>D. viscosa</i> extracts and essential oil have demonstrated the plant's safety, which supports the need for comprehensive pharmacological studies, <i>in vivo</i> studies, and clinical trials to evaluate the best doses for optimal medicinal effects. This work underscores the medicinal value of <i>D. viscosa</i> and its potential in developing new pharmacological agents to address major health challenges like antibiotic resistance and cancers.