An Updated Review on the Anti-Inflammatory Potential of Phyllanthus Genus

The Phyllanthus genus, known for its therapeutic efficacy in traditional and folk medicine, has been extensively investigated for its anti-inflammatory properties. This review systematically evaluates the existing literature on various Phyllanthus species, with a focus on their potential as medicinal agents for managing inflammatory conditions. Notably, extracts, fractions and bioactive phytoconstituents, predominantly phenolic derivatives and cleistanthane-type diterpenoids from species such as Phyllanthus emblica, Phyllanthus niruri, Phyllanthus amarus, Phyllanthus acidus, Phyllanthus muellerianus, Phyllanthus reticulatus, Phyllanthus rheophyticus, Phyllanthus fraternus, Phyllanthus glaucus, Phyllanthus urinaria, Phyllanthus nivosus and Phyllanthus orbicularis, have demonstrated anti-inflammatory activity. These effects are primarily facilitated through the reduction of pro-inflammatory cytokine production, inhibition of prostaglandin and nitric oxide synthesis, inhibition of inflammatory mediators such as COX-2, NOX, and LOX, and increase the production of anti-inflammatory cytokines. In addition, the suppression of inflammation is achieved via the modulation of critical signalling pathways, including NF-κB, Nrf2, extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)/c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK). Despite these promising findings, limited clinical studies assessing the anti-inflammatory efficacy of Phyllanthus species, underscoring the need for rigorous future research to fully elucidate their therapeutic potential.