Phytochemistry and Pharmacological Potential of the Genus Prismatomeris

The genus Prismatomeris, comprising 17 species in the Rubiaceae family and native to Southeast Asia, has been traditionally used to treat various ailments, including inflammatory disorders, hepatitis, and kidney dysfunction. Phytochemical studies consistently show that anthraquinones and their derivatives are the predominant secondary metabolites, accompanied by triterpenoids, iridoid glycosides, flavonoids, steroids, and several structurally distinctive constituents, such as prisconnatanones and prismatomerin. These metabolites exhibit diverse biological activities, including anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antituberculosis, antifungal, antimalarial, and antiviral effects, with anthraquinones and triterpenoids emerging as key bioactive classes. Despite promising pharmacological evidence, further comprehensive studies are needed to explore their mechanisms and therapeutic potential. Collectively, Prismatomeris represents an underexplored reservoir of bioactive natural products with significant therapeutic potential.