Phytochemistry and bioactivity studies of Bryophyllum pinnatum: a review

Bryophyllum pinnatum (Lam.) Oken, a perennial succulent herb of the family Crassulaceae, is utilized widely in traditional medicine across tropical and subtropical regions. Known by names such as “cathedral bells,” “life plant,” and “miracle leaf,” the species is valued for its vegetative propagation as well as diverse therapeutic applications. Literature is replete with phytochemical studies which have identified a broad spectrum of secondary metabolites, including terpenoids, flavonoids, alkaloids, saponins, and bufadienolides, which account for its known pharmacological activities. Extracts of B. pinnatum have demonstrated antioxidant, antidiabetic, antimicrobial, immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, and wound-healing properties in vitro and in vivo. However, variability in extraction methods, limited pharmacokinetic studies, and a scarcity of clinical trials constrain translational applications. This review synthesizes current knowledge on the phytochemistry, pharmacological activities, safety concerns, and research limitations of B. pinnatum, identifying gaps and highlighting directions for future research.