The genus Broussonetia: a review of its phytochemistry and pharmacology

Plants belonging to the genus Broussonetia (Moraceae), which grow naturally in Asian and Pacific countries, have long been used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat various conditions, particularly tinea, dysentery, hernia and oedema. Various parts of plants of this genus such as the fruits, bark, leaves, flowers and roots are used medicinally. According to Flora of China, the inner bark fibre is used in making paper, and the wood is used for furniture. Several active compounds including coumarins, polyphenols, alkaloids, flavonoids, glycosides, lignans and diterpenes have been isolated from the plants of this genus in the past few years, and some members of these constituents have been demonstrated to exert antioxidant, antiinflammatory, antiplatelet, antityrosinase, antimicrobial and antinociceptive effects. Antidiabetic and antitumoural properties seem possible, but need further support. Due to the lack of clinical trials, there are few published reports on target-organ toxicity or side effects. Currently, some East Asian nations such as China, South Korea and Japan have shown increased interest in these plants. This article reviews the phytochemical and potential beneficial therapeutic effects of plants of this genus reported since 2000.