Ethnobotany, Pharmacology and Phytochemistry of the Genus Phoebe (Lauraceae)

The research on medicinal plants is gaining popularity due to their high efficacy, safety, quality and low side effects in comparison of synthetic medicines. Phoebe plants have been used in traditional medicine for curing various diseases worldwide. The Genus Phoebe comprises of about 200 species, distributed in Indo-Malaysia, West Europe, Tropical America and India. The phytochemical studies on the Genus Phoebe have revealed the presence of mostly alkaloids along with terpenoids, flavonoids, lignans and steroids. The members of this genus showed various activities such as antitumor, antiplasmodial, antimicrobial, antifungal, antidiabetic, muscles relaxant etc. The aim of present review is to explore the up to date knowledge concerning ethnobotany, pharmacology and phytochemistry of the Genus Phoebe.