Pharmacological properties of the ethnomedicinal plant <i>Dodonaea viscosa</i> : Anticancer potential and beyond (Review)

Continuous and rigorous assessment of the pharmacological potential of plants is essential for the discovery and development of novel anticancer and other therapeutic agents. Ongoing evaluation also ensures validation of traditional uses while optimizing efficacy and safety. The reporting of these evaluations serves to support innovation of the pharmaceutical landscape to advance evidence-based medicine. Such is particularly important for research in cancer, a highly complex disease that remains a leading cause of mortality worldwide. Numerous conventional anticancer drugs are derived from natural products, highlighting the value of plants as a source of novel compounds with anticancer properties. The medicinal plant, <i>Dodonaea viscosa</i> (DV) is an evergreen shrub found in tropical and subtropical regions around the world, with a long history of use in traditional medicine. Different parts of the plant are used in diverse ways for a wide range of ailments by traditional healers. This review provides a comprehensive and updated summary of scientific investigations reporting on the anticancer and other therapeutic potential of DV. Investigations to date have primarily assessed whole DV aqueous and/or organic extracts of various solvents, with only few investigations of fractionated and purified isolates. Using a combination of <i>in vitro</i> assays and various animal models, extracts of DV and derivatives show promise as lead compounds for the development of anticancer drugs, including breast, gastric, liver and haematological malignancies. In addition, DV extracts harbour anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antioxidant activities This suggests their value as a source of phytochemicals with therapeutic potential.