Review on Morphology, Distribution, Phytochemical, and Pharmacological Properties of European Privet: Ligustrum vulgare [L] [(Oleaceae)]

Author: Reshma D., Anitha C. T. and Sheeja T. Tharakan

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Abstract

Most of the plants in the genus Ligustrum (privet) are native to Asia, some of them from Australia, Europe, and North Africa. Many species in this genus have become weed in places where they were originated. The invasive nature of the plant results in displacing native vegetation, alternative ecosystem services and genetic diversity. It shows wide range of tolerance to temperatures; salinity and soil conditions are responsible for its abundance and dominance in the areas once they were found. Due to the aggressive and troublesome nature of the many species in this genus and lack of information, several research studies have focused on it to reveal the positive effects particularly the pharmacological uses of the plant material. The present paper studies the present knowledge on species Ligustrum vulgare with particular focus on its taxonomy and morphology, range of distribution, phytochemical and pharmacological properties. The review's most important elements underline its potential to keep widening its distribution and its positive aspects such as anti-inflammatory, antimutagenic, cytotoxic, antioxidant, anti-lipoxygenase and anti-proliferative activities.

Keywords

Invasive species, Pollen allergy, Flavonoids, Antimutagenic, Anti-lipoxygenase, Environmental Impacts

Conclusion

The L. vulgare, common privet is a popularly decorative and invasive plant of Europe which are widespread among subtropical and temperate regions of the world. These plants are tolerant to wide range of temperatures, drought and almost all soil types. The aggressive and troublesome invasive colonized with root sprots and wisely spread by animals and birds dispersed seeds. All these contribute to its abundance and invasiveness which in turn may alter the native species, ecosystem functions and services. Traditionally, L. vulgare is still used for its anti-lipoxygenase, anti-inflammatory, hypotensive, diuretic, and anti-rheumatic features. Privet, when screened phytochemically revealed the presence of phenylethanoid glycosides, iridoids and flavonoids especially oleacein, oleuropein and echinacoside. There are many reports which mentioned the pharmacological characteristics like antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-proliferative, antimutagenic, and inhibitory effect. The privet would continue to expand its distribution range with negative effect on ecosystem and biodiversity, but has positive effects by virtue of its pharmacological properties in traditional medicine.

References

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How to cite this article

Reshma D, Anitha, C. T. and Sheeja T. Tharakan (2023). Review on Morphology, Distribution, Phytochemical, and Pharmacological Properties of European Privet: Ligustrum vulgare [L] [(Oleaceae)]. Biological Forum – An International Journal, 15(3): 690-695.