Echinops kebericho Mesfin: A comprehensive review of its ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry, and pharmacological activity

Abstract

• Echinops kebericho Mesfin is a medicinal plant endemic to Ethiopia with diverse traditional uses. • Major bioactive compounds include sesquiterpenes (e.g., dehydrocostus lactone), flavonoids, and essential oils. • Demonstrates significant antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant activities. • Scientific gaps remain in clinical validation and long-term safety evaluation. • Conservation efforts are critical due to its endangered status. Echinops kebericho Mesfin is a medicinal plant endemic to Ethiopia, primarily found in the highland regions. Traditionally, it has been used to treat a wide range of ailments. Despite its extensive ethnopharmacological use, scientific investigations into its phytochemical composition and pharmacological properties remain fragmented. This review synthesizes current knowledge on the ethnomedicinal uses, bioactive constituents, and biological activities of E. kebericho . A comprehensive literature review was conducted using scientific databases such as Google Scholar, Web of Science, Scopus, and PubMed. The plant’s root is used predominantly in traditional preparations and contains diverse secondary metabolites, including sesquiterpene lactones, flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins, and steroids. Notably, the sesquiterpene lactone dehydrocostus lactone exhibits promising antileishmanial, antibacterial, antioxidant, and herbicidal activities. Extracts and essential oils from E. kebericho demonstrate broad-spectrum antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, insect-repellent, antimalarial, antileishmanial, antitrypanosomal, and cytotoxic effects. Emerging nanotechnology applications further highlight its potential in environmental and agricultural fields. Toxicological assessments indicate its safety, thus supporting its prospective development into therapeutic agents. This comprehensive review integrates fragmented research and underscores the need for further systematic studies to explore E. kebericho as a valuable source of novel pharmacologically active compounds.