Flavonoids Diversity and Therapeutic Significance in Terminalia brownii
Ikikii S.M. *
Department of Pure and Applied Sciences, Technical University of Mombasa, P.O. Box 90420 – 80100, Mombasa, Kenya.
Kahindo J.M.
Department of Pure and Applied Sciences, Technical University of Mombasa, P.O. Box 90420 – 80100, Mombasa, Kenya.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Terminalia brownii species within the family Combretaceae, is a widely distributed deciduous tree native to tropical and subtropical regions of Africa, particularly in Eastern and Central parts, including Kenya, Ethiopia, Sudan, and Uganda. Traditionally, various parts of T. brownii, including the bark, leaves and roots have been used in folk medicine to manage diarrhea, malaria, wound infections, respiratory disorders, and gastrointestinal conditions. The medicinal value of T. brownii is largely attributed to its rich profile of secondary metabolites, notably tannins, saponins, alkaloids, phenolics, and flavonoids. Flavonoids such as quercetin, kaempferol and luteolin have been identified in different plant parts, contributing to the plant's antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and hepatoprotective activities. Despite growing interest in the pharmacological properties of T. brownii, comprehensive reviews focusing specifically on the diversity and therapeutic relevance of its flavonoid compounds remain limited. This review aims to bridge that gap by summarizing the subclasses of flavonoids isolated from different parts of T. brownii and highlighting their medicinal applications with a view toward informing future drug discovery and development efforts.
Keywords: Flavonoids, Terminalia brownii, secondary metabolites, natural sources