Morella serrata (Lam.) Killick (Myricaceae): Medicinal uses, phytochemistry and pharmacological properties Musara Collen, Aladejana Adebowale Emmanuel, Aladejana Elizabeth Bosede* Medicinal Plants and Economic Development (MPED) Research Centre, Department of Botany, University of Fort Hare, Private Bag X1314, Alice, 5700, South Africa *Corresponding author e-mail: ealadejana@ufh.ac.za
Online published on 15 October, 2020. Abstract Morella serrata is an aromatic, dioecious shrub to Myricaceae family. The leaves, roots, and/or stem bark of Morella serrata are used as traditional medicines in southern Africa. This study is aimed at evaluating the medicinal uses, phytochemistry and pharmacological properties of M. serrata. The leaves, roots, and stem bark of M. Serrata are widely used in the treatment of chest-related problems, menstruation pains, dysmenorrhea, flu, management of blood sugar-related diseases, headache and enhancement of men sexual performance. Phytochemical compounds identified from the species include flavonoids, tannins, steroids and phenolics, which could possibly account for the pharmacological activities such as antimicrobial, antidiabetic, antitumor, hepatoprotective, antioxidant and aphrodisiac effects found in the plant. Further study should focus more on its Pharmalogical properties, efficacy and safety, and on the isolation and identification of chemical compounds in order to justify the medicinal application of the plant. Top Keywords Wax berry, Medicinal use, Antioxidant, Antidiabetic. Top |