An overview of chemical, therapeutic and ecological insights on Terminalia coriacea, Hydrolea zeylanica, Cytisus capitatus and Dorycnium pentaphyllum

This review focuses on four critical medicinal plants' chemical, therapeutic and ecological importance, highlighting their bioactive compound, pharmacological significance and environmental impact. Observing findings of four medicinal plants, viz Terminalia coriacea (Roxb.) Wight & Arn. – Combretaceae (TC), Hydrolea zeylanica (L.) Vahl – Hydroleaceae (HZ), Cytisus capitatus Scop. – Fabaceae (CC), Dorycnium pentaphyllum Scop. – Fabaceae (DP) carried out and focused on their therapeutic efficacy and ethnopharmacological relevance. The cited articles for TC are ten, HZ is eight, CC is two and DP is nine from reputed data sources. The study suggests that TC has various chemical compounds, such as glycosides, terpenoids, phenolic compounds and flavonoids. Due to the presence of these constituents, it is helpful in hepatoprotective activity, antimicrobial activity, anti-inflammatory and wound healing activity. Similarly, research on HZ has revealed its potential in managing diabetes by targeting its antidiabetic pathways. This text explains how network pharmacology can help regulate blood glucose levels and reduce inflammation in diabetic rodents. The substance's antioxidant, antidiabetic and hepatoprotective characteristics have been confirmed through chemical composition analysis and pharmacological research. Recent research has revealed the remarkable antibacterial and anticancer properties of CC, shedding light on its potential as a natural weapon against cancer. Studies on DP have uncovered its significance in soil restoration and improving plant performance, providing insights into its medicinal and ecological value. These findings indicate that the plants possess potent chemical moieties that are functional for different therapeutic activities. The prospects for this compilation are to focus on the medicinal importance of these medicinal plants. The researchers may focus on exploring phytochemical investigation such as determinations, quantification and incorporation in novel dosage forms to enhance their solubility, absorption and bioavailability for better therapeutic efficacy.