Medicinal Chemistry

Leptadenia hastata: A Review of its Traditional uses and its Pharmacological Activity

Abstract

Steven D. Thomas

Leptadenia hastata (Pers.) Decne is often used traditionally for hypertension, catarrh, skin diseases, woundhealing, prostate complaints and as an aphrodisiac. In traditional systems of medicine, different parts are used including the leaves, latex, roots and even whole plant. Leptadenia hastata is reported to contain alkaloids, saponins, phenolic glycosides, tannins, flavonoids, proanthocyanidins and triterpenes. This review describes the medicinal properties, chemical constituents, and other important aspects of Leptadenia hastata.