Ethnomedicinal Uses, Phytochemical Constituents, Pharmacological Properties, and Toxicology of the Bambusoideae Species: A Review

Abstract

Bamboos are a versatile non-timber subfamily that has been utilized for various purposes. Generally, bamboo leaves are used as traditional medicine to treat diseases such as cough, rheumatism, influenza, fever, skin disease, heart disease, and malaria. The bamboo extracts contain a wide range of functional groups that are responsible for pharmacological activities. The objective of this review article is to provide in-depth discussion on botany, ethnomedicinal uses, phytochemical constituents, pharmacological properties, and toxicity of bamboo plant extract. Phytochemical studies showed that a total of 21 functional groups were detected from bamboo leaves, stems, and seeds. In addition, volatile compounds that produce aromatic odor also were detected from the bamboo extract. Meanwhile, pharmacological studies revealed that bamboo extract exhibited several pharmacological properties including anti-diarrheal, analgesic effect, antimalarial, anti-ulcer, anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-diabetic, wound healing, anticancer, and hepatotoxicity. The toxicity study found that bamboo extract is safe for consumption and did not show harmful effects. A review of phytochemical constituents and pharmacological properties in plants is important for several purposes such as new drugs discovery and understanding the mechanisms, safety, and efficacy of the bioactive compounds to treat various diseases.