World Journal of
Pharmaceutical and Life Sciences

A REVIEW ON PHYTOCHEMICALS AND BIOLOGICAL PROPERTIES OF PLANT EXTRACTS OF CRYPTOCARYA SPECIES

Monisha C. Patil and *Govindappa Melappa

ABSTRACT

The genus Cryptocarya has been comprehensively examined for its diverse phytochemical composition, leading to the identification of numerous bioactive compounds. A study on Cryptocarya impressinervia identified 23 known compounds, including lignans, flavonoids, sterols, and triterpenoids, with 9,9'-O-Di-feruloyl-(-)-secoisolariciresinol exhibiting potent cytotoxicity against five cancer cell lines in human (IC50: 3.58–6.39 μM). Rhusemialin A also showed potent action against HL-60 leukemia cells (IC50: 3.69 μM). From Cryptocarya chinensis, four novel flavanones (cryptoflavanones A–D) and known compounds such as pinocembrin and cryptocaryone demonstrated antituberculosis activity (MIC: 3.5 mg/mL and 25.0 mg/mL, respectively). Cryptocarya myrtifolia yielded cryptocaryalactone and its derivatives, while C. obovata provided cytotoxic flavonoids and R-pyrones, with obolactone and obochalcolactone exhibiting significant activity against the KB cancer cell line. Further investigations on Cryptocarya wightiana contributed to the isolation of a new lactone with germination-inhibitory properties and a high-viscosity polysaccharide gum, composed mainly of arabinose and xylose, with potential industrial applications. Cryptocarya rugulosa produced rugulactone, which effectively inhibited NF-κB signaling, a crucial cancer target. Additionally, Cryptocarya alba was found to contain phenolics and flavonoid compounds with strong antioxidant activity. Antimicrobial studies on Cryptocarya extracts showed significant inhibition of formation of Candida albicans biofilm but also cytotoxic effects on normal oral keratinocytes. The antioxidant potential of C. stocksii was assessed through DPPH, reducing power, and total antioxidant assays, where ethanol extracts demonstrated the highest activity, attributed to high polyphenol content. These findings highlight the potential of Cryptocarya species as sources of cytotoxic, antimicrobial, and antioxidant compounds, paving the way for their application in pharmaceutical and industrial fields.

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