Chemical composition and biological activity of extracts from wild Rhamnaceae species of Russia

The review presents data from literature sources on the component composition and biological activity of aboveground and underground parts of 16 wild Rhamnaceae species from Russia. Species form 4 genera of Rhamnaceae (Rhamnus L., Ziziphus Mill., Paliurus Mill. and Frangula Mill.) are found in the studied area, 3 of which are represented by one species: Ziziphus jujuba Mill., Paliurus spina-cristi Mill. and Frangula alnus Mill. The chemosystematics does not contradict the genus system. In recent decades, studies have been carried out on the component composition: organic acids (malic, succinic, tartaric), vitamins (C, B1 and P), alkaloids, polyphenols, flavonoids (rutin, hyperin, isoquercitrin, etc.), cyanidins, anthraquinones and sterols have been found. Extracts of wild-growing Rhamnaceae species, as well as their individual components, have varied bioactivity like antibacterial, antimicrobial, antifungal, antiviral, cytotoxic, inhibitory, antitumor, anti-inflammatory, wound healing, and antioxidant. The fruits and bark of Rhamnus, Ziziphus, Paliurus and Frangula species have a laxative, wound-healing, moderate anti-inflammatory, astringent and antibactericidal effect. Z. jujuba is also effective for the prevention and treatment of liver damage, obesity, hypertension and anemia, and is used in herbal mixtures to treat stroke and influenza virus. For 3 Caucasian and 4 Siberian and Far Eastern species of the genus Rhamnus, data on the component composition and biological activity, as well as the resource potential, are scant or absent. Literature data on the component composition and biological activity of the above-ground and underground parts of four genera and 12 species of the Rhamnaceae family were found.