Pharmacognostical and Pharmacological Properties of Sauropus Androgynus : An Updated Review

Abstract

Background: Sauropus androgynus (L.) Merr., a perennial shrub mainly found in the regions of South and Southeast asia. It serves dual roles as a traditional medicine for fever, ulcers, diabetes, and lactation disorders and nutritious vegetable. Despite documented pharmacological benefits, over consumption can cause bronchiolitis obliterans, necessitating rigorous safety evaluation. Objective: This review examines the pharmacognosy, phytochemistry, ethnopharmacology, and pharmacology of S. androgynus, .It also summarizes the chemical constituents and pathogenic mechanisms underlying Sauropus-induced bronchiolitis obliterans. Methods: Systematic literature were searched in Google Scholar, Wiley, Springer, CNKI, Web of Science, and Science Direct. Peer-reviewed articles, theses, and texts were prepared regarding botanical characteristics, traditional uses, phytochemical profiles, pharmacological activities, and toxicological data. Results: S. androgynus contains high nutritional value with increased proteins, vitamins, minerals, and bioactive compounds including polyphenols, flavonoids, lignans, and fatty acids. Experimental studies proved the properties of S. androgynus which includes anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, immunomodulatory, anti-obesity, anti-ulcer, and anti-diabetic activities. One of the major constituents in this plant is papaverine. The recent studies conducted on papaverine indicates additional aqueous constituents may trigger pulmonary toxicity through macrophage activation, endothelial inhibition, and TGF-β/eNOS-mediated fibroproliferation. Conclusion: S. androgynus possesses great therapeutic potential supported by traditional use and experimental pharmacology, yet its clinical application may develop bronchiolitis obliterans. Future researches including phytochemical characterization, toxicological mechanism elucidation, and safe dosage establishment are required to enable evidence-based therapeutic utilization.