Phytochemistry and Neuroprotective Potential of Bombax costatum Pellegr. & Vuillet: Bridging Traditional West African Medicine and Modern

Abstract

Background: Neuropsychiatric disorders, including epilepsy, anxiety, and depression, represent a major public health burden in West Africa, where traditional medicine remains the primary therapeutic option for many patients. Bombax costatum Pellegr. & Vuillet (Malvaceae), commonly known as the red kapok or false kapok tree, is widely used in traditional West African pharmacopoeia for these conditions. Objective: This narrative review aimed to synthesize the ethnobotanical, phytochemical, and preclinical pharmacological data on Bombax costatum and to evaluate its neuroprotective potential. Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted following PRISMA 2020 guidelines in PubMed, ScienceDirect, Google Scholar, AGORA, and Lotus Base, covering the period from 1964 to mai 2026. After removal of duplicates and application of inclusion/exclusion criteria, 86 distinct documents were selected and analyzed using thematic synthesis. Results: Bombax costatum is a multipurpose species with more than 86 documented traditional uses, mainly for epilepsy, anxiety, depression, and hepatic disorders. Major bioactive compounds identified include epicatechin (isolated from root bark), lupeol (stem bark), along with high levels of polyphenols and flavonoids. Preclinical studies demonstrated significant anticonvulsant effects (PTZ and MES models), antidepressant-like activity (chronic mild stress model), anxiolytic properties (elevated plus maze), and antioxidant activities, primarily through GABAergic modulation, monoaminergic enhancement, and reduction of oxidative stress. The plant also exhibited hepatoprotective effects with a good safety profile (LD₅₀ > 5,000 mg/kg). Conclusion: Bombax costatum shows promising neuroprotective potential that aligns with its traditional uses. However, current evidence is limited to preclinical studies. Future research should prioritize standardization of extracts, pharmacokinetic studies, and rigorous clinical trials to confirm efficacy and safety in humans. Keywords: Bombax costatum, neuroprotection, epilepsy, anxiety, depression, epicatechin, lupeol, traditional African medicine, oxidative stress, GABAergic