The genus Fagaropsis Mildbr. ex Siebenl. belongs to the Rutaceae family. It consists of four accepted species: F. hildebrandtii, F. angolensis, F. glabra, and F. velutina. The plants of this genus are trees and shrubs found in Africa and Madagascar. Fagaropsis species have been used in folkloric medicine for the treatment and management of various diseases, such as malaria, cancer and chronic joint pain.   

Researchers from Wuhan Botanical Garden and Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology provided inclusive information and made in-depth analyses on the ethnobotanical uses, phytochemistry, and pharmacology of the species in genus Fagaropsis and highlighted possible research gaps for further research opportunities. Data on ethnobotany, phytochemistry, and pharmacology of Fagaropsis species was obtained through a systematic literature search using scientific databases, reports, books, etc.

Phytochemical studies isolated 18 compounds from two species (F. angolensis and F. glabra), including triterpenoids, alkaloids and flavonoids. The in vitro studies confirmed the pharmacological activities of Fagaropsis species in anticancer, antimalarial, antimicrobial and antifungal, and anti-inflammatory activities. 

Phytochemical analyses have been performed on two species (F. angolensis and F. glabra) according to the available literature. More scientific research is required to explore this genus. Moreover, the majority of the currently available bioactivity-related analyses were applied to crude extracts. Thus, further research is required on the application of medicinal plants in this genus which will link pharmacological activities to traditional uses and phytochemistry especially on the under reported species.  

The research entitled “Traditional Medicinal Uses, Pharmacology, Phytochemistry, and Distribution of the Genus Fagaropsis (Rutaceae)” was published on the Journal of Ethnopharmacology. This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China and Sino-Africa Joint Research Center, CAS. 

Kenyan students Elizabeth Syowai Mutinda, and Elijah Mbandi Mkala are the first co- authors. Professor HU Guangwan  is the corresponding author. Several students from the group participated in the study.  

Graphic abstract of the research (Image by Elizabeth Syowai Mutinda)