Review of ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry, pharmacology, and toxicity of Vachellia (Acacia) species in eastern and southern Africa

• Acacia species now reclassified into Vachellia has been traditionally used to treat cholesterol, diabetes, inflammations amongst others. • This review focused on species in eastern and southern Africa from 1993–2024, and analyzed its ethnobotany, pharmacology, phytochemistry, and cytotoxicity using scientific databases • The species are rich in phenolic and terpenes compounds which explains the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiviral and antimicrobial activities. • The pharmacological activities of Vachellia species validated some of the traditional uses in the eastern and southern Africa. The Vachellia ( Acacia ) species are plants of significant medicinal value, increasingly intriguing researchers. Recently, Acacia species native to Africa have been reclassified into two distinct genera: Vachellia and Senegalia . These species of Vachellia ( Acacia ) have been traditionally used in medicine for various purposes, including the treatment of conditions such as high cholesterol, diabetes, cancer, gingivitis, mouth sores, and pharyngitis. This review aims to comprehensively review and document the traditional uses, pharmacology, phytochemical analysis, and toxicity of Vachellia species in the regions of eastern and southern Africa. Scientific literature search was conducted to analyse the traditional uses, pharmacological effects, phytochemical composition, and cytotoxic potential of the Vachellia ( Acacia ) from databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar, spanning studies from 1993 to 2024. Extracts of Vachellia ( Acacia ) species are being promoted as alternative treatments for chronic diseases and inflammation, contingent on confirmation of cytotoxicity levels and standardisation of medicinal extracts for commercialisation. Vachellia species were found to contain secondary metabolites such as flavanol and flavone glycosides, aglycones, flavan-3-ols, flavan-3,4-diols, and (epi)-catechins containing galloyl moieties and functional hydroxyl groups. The studies conducted on Vachellia species revealed that they possess diverse pharmacology, including cytotoxicity, antioxidant, antiplasmodial, antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral activities. Further research is essential to elucidate the precise mechanisms of action and assess the safety and efficacy of these extracts in vivo. Vachellia species shows potential as a medicinal resource, comprehensive understanding and rigorous study of its toxicity profiles are imperative to ensure its safe utilization.