Ethnobotanical Uses and Anti-inflammatory, Antioxidant, and Antisickling Potential of Alchornea cordifolia (Schumach. & Thonn.) Müll. Arg.: A Systematic Review and Risk-of-Bias-Weighted Meta-Analysis
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.59228/rcst.026.v5.i2.296Keywords:
Alchornea cordifolia, sickle cell disease, inflammation, antioxidant, ethnobotany, systematic review, PRISMAAbstract
Alchornea cordifolia, a member of the Euphorbiaceae family native to tropical Africa, is widely used in traditional medicine to treat inflammatory, infectious, and hematological conditions, including sickle cell disease. A comprehensive review covering its ethnobotanical uses, phytochemical composition, and pharmacological activities was lacking. A systematic review compliant with the PRISMA 2020 guidelines was conducted on the literature published between 2000 and 2026. A total of 1,299 references were identified, and 64 studies were included after screening. The risk of bias was assessed using the SYRCLE, ROBINS-I, and AMSTAR-2 tools, as well as the CONSIDER criteria. A descriptive meta-analysis weighted according to risk of bias was also performed. The results demonstrate the strong pharmacological potential of Alchornea cordifolia. Its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-sickle cell activities are confirmed by preclinical studies and attributed primarily to phenolic compounds, flavonoids, and triterpenoids. Alchornea cordifolia is a promising African medicinal plant. However, methodological heterogeneity and the lack of clinical trials limit the level of evidence. Standardized studies and clinical trials are essential to confirm its efficacy, safety, and potential in the development of new herbal medicines.
Downloads
References
Adeneye, A., Oreagba, A., Ishola, I., & Kalejaiye, H. (2014). Evaluation of the anti-arthritic activity of the hydroethanolic leaf extract of Alchornea cordifolia in rats. African Journal of Traditional, Complementary and Alternative Medicines, 11(2), 402–410. https://doi.org/10.4314/AJTCAM.V11I2.26
Adeniyi, O., Baptista, R., Bhowmick, S., Cookson, A., Nash, R., Winters, A., Shen, J., & Mur, L. (2022). Isolation and characterisation of quercitrin as a potent anti-sickle cell anaemia agent from Alchornea cordifolia. Journal of Clinical Medicine, 11(8), Article 2177. https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm11082177
Agyare, C., Asase, A., Lechtenberg, M., Niehues, M., Deters, A., & Hensel, A. (2009). An ethnopharmacological survey and in vitro confirmation of ethnopharmacological use of medicinal plants used for wound healing in Bosomtwi-Atwima-Kwanwoma area, Ghana. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 125, 393–403.
Ahmadu, A., Agunu, A., & Abdurrahman, E. (2015). Anti-inflammatory constituents of Alchornea cordifolia leaves. Nigerian Journal of Natural Products and Medicine, 19, 60–64. https://doi.org/10.4314/NJNPM.V19I0
Ajibesin, K. K., Ekpo, B. E., Bala, D. N., Essien, E. E., & Adesanya, S. A. (2008). Ethnobotanical survey of Akwa Ibom State of Nigeria. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 115, 387–408.
Akoto, C. O., Acheampong, A., Boakye, Y. D., Akwata, D., & Okine, M. (2019). In vitro anthelminthic, antimicrobial and antioxidant activities and FTIR analysis of extracts of Alchornea cordifolia leaves. Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry, 8, 2432–2442.
Balagizi, I., Cihyoka, A., & Mapatano, S. (2005). Lexique et recueil de quelques pratiques en ethno-pharmacopée agro-vétérinaire au Kivu. Plateforme Diobass au Kivu.
Banso, A., Dachi, S., Usman, J. I., Ajewole, A. E., & Etsu-Musa, N. (2024). Assessment of bioactive phytochemical and free radical scavenging analysis of leaf extract of Alchornea cordifolia (Schumach. & Thonn.) Müll. Arg. The Pharma Innovation. https://doi.org/10.22271/tpi.2024.v13.i4a.25593
Betti, J. (2004). An ethnobotanical study of medicinal plants among the Baka pygmies in the Dja Biosphere Reserve, Cameroon. African Study Monographs, 25(1), 1–27.
Betti, J., Caspa, R., Ambara, J., & Kourogue, R. (2013). Ethno-botanical study of plants used for treating malaria in a forest–savanna margin area, East Region, Cameroon. Global Journal of Research on Medicinal Plants & Indigenous Medicine, 2(10), 692–708.
Bla, K., Trebissou, J., Bidie, A., Assi, Y., Zirihi, G., & Djaman, A. (2015). Étude ethnopharmacologique des plantes antipaludiques utilisées chez les Baoulé-N’Gban de Toumodi dans le Centre de la Côte d’Ivoire. Journal of Applied Biosciences, 85, 7775–7783.
Boniface, P., Ferreira, S., & Kaiser, C. (2016). Recent trends in phytochemistry, ethnobotany and pharmacological significance of Alchornea cordifolia (Schumach. & Thonn.) Muell. Arg. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 191, 216–244. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep
Catarino, L., Havik, P., & Romeiras, M. (2016). Medicinal plants of Guinea-Bissau: Therapeutic applications, ethnic diversity and knowledge transfer. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 183, 71–94.
Ejeha, S., Abub, H., & Abalaka, C. S. (2025). Testicular anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity and the reproductive enhancing potentials of ethanol extract of Alchornea cordifolia (Schumach. & Thonn.) Müll. Arg. (Euphorbiaceae) leaf in male Wistar rats. Journal of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, 7(2). https://doi.org/10.36108/jvbs/5202.70.0270
Enyiukwu, D., Amadi, A., & Bassey, I. (2024). Ethnobotany and phytochemical composition of Alchornea cordifolia in Abia State, Nigeria. International Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine Research, 5(1), 6–18. https://doi.org/10.53811/ijtcmr.1332261
Eruotor, H., Blessing, U., Emmanuel, P., Akpotu, E., & Nduka, I. (2022). Anti-inflammatory effects of aqueous extract of Alchornea cordifolia in Wistar rats. Journal of Complementary and Alternative Medical Research, 18(3), 52–61. https://doi.org/10.9734/jocamr/2022/v18i330355
Feuya Tchouya, G. R., Souza, A., Tchouankeu, J. C., Yala, J. F., Boukandou, M., Foundikou, H., Nguema, O. B., Fekam, F. B., Mabika, M. B., Menkem, Z., Tantoh, N., & Lebibi, J. (2015). Ethnopharmacological surveys and pharmacological studies of plants used in traditional medicine in the treatment of HIV/AIDS opportunistic diseases in Gabon. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 162, 306–316.
Frazão-Moreira, A. (2016). The symbolic efficacy of medicinal plants: Practices, knowledge, and religious beliefs amongst the Nalu healers of Guinea-Bissau. Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine, 12, Article 24.
Gbolade, A. (2009). Inventory of antidiabetic plants in selected districts of Lagos State, Nigeria. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 121, 135–139.
Ghislaine Boungou-Tsona. (2023). Étude phytochimique et activités anti-inflammatoires d’extraits de plantes médicinales du Congo-Brazzaville [Thèse de doctorat, Université Clermont Auvergne & Université Marien-Ngouabi].
Göhre, Á., Toto-Nienguesse, B., Futuro, M., Neinhuis, C., & Lautenschläger, T. (2016). Plants from disturbed savannah vegetation and their usage by Bakongo tribes in Uíge, Northern Angola. Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine, 12, Article 42.
Hooijmans, C., Rovers, M., de Vries, R., Leenaars, M., Ritskes-Hoitinga, M., & Langendam, M. (2014). L’outil de risque de biais de SYRCLE pour les études animales. BMC Medical Research Methodology, 14, Article 43. https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-2288-14-43
Huria, T., Palmer, S., Pitama, S., Beckert, L., Lacey, C., Ewen, S., & Smith, L. (2019). Critères consolidés pour renforcer la déclaration de la recherche en santé impliquant les peuples autochtones : La déclaration CONSIDER. BMC Medical Research Methodology, 19(1), Article 173. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12874-019-0815-8
Idu, M., & Ndukwu, B. (2006). Studies of plants used in ethnomedicine in Ethiope Council Area of Delta State, Nigeria. Research Journal of Botany, 1(1), 30–43.
Idu, M., Umweni, A., Odaro, T., & Ojelede, L. (2009). Ethnobotanical plants used for oral healthcare among the Esan Tribe of Edo State, Nigeria. Ethnobotanical Leaflets, 13, 548–563.
Ikponmwosa-Eweka, O., Austin, E., Eluehike, N., & Orumwensodia, K. (2020). Analytical comparison of the phytochemical composition and antioxidant activity of methanol extracts derived from Alchornea cordifolia and Corchorus olitorius. Journal of Phytomedicine and Therapeutics, 19, 364–374. https://doi.org/10.4314/jopat.v19i1.5
Jiofack, T., Ayissi, I., Fokunang, C., Guedje, N., & Kemeuze, V. (2009). Ethnobotany and phytomedicine of the upper Nyong Valley forest in Cameroon. African Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, 3(4), 144–150.
Kamdem, B., Baptista, F., & Roland, K. (2016). Tendances récentes en phytochimie, ethnobotanique et signification pharmacologique d’Alchornea cordifolia (Schumach. & Thonn.) Muell. Arg. Journal d’Ethnopharmacologie, 191(15), 216–244.
Kayode, J., & Kayode, G. (2008). Ethnomedicinal survey of botanicals used in treating sexually transmitted diseases in Ekiti State, Nigeria. Ethnobotanical Leaflets, 12, 44–55.
Kayode, J., & Omotoyinbo, M. (2009). Ethnobotanical utilisation and conservation of chewing sticks plant species in Ekiti State, Nigeria. Research Journal of Botany, 4(1), 1–9.
Kitadi, J., Inkoto, C., Lengbiye, E., Tshibangu, D., Tshilanda, D., Ngbolua, K., Taba, K., Mbala, B., Schmitz, B., & Mpiana, P. (2020a). Mineral content and antisickling activity of Annona senegalensis, Alchornea cordifolia and Vigna unguiculata used in the management of sickle cell disease in the Kwilu Province, Congo, DR. International Blood Research & Reviews, 11(3), 18–27. https://doi.org/10.9734/ibrr/2020/v11i330131
Kitadi, J., Mazasa, P., Tshibangu, D., Kasali, F., Tshilanda, D., Ngbolua, K., & Mpiana, P. T. (2020b). Ethnopharmacological survey and antisickling activity of plants used in the management of sickle cell disease in Kikwit City, DR Congo. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2020, Article 1346493. https://doi.org/10.1155/2020/1346493
Konda, K., Kabakura, M., Mbembe, B., Itufa, Y., Mahuku, K., Mafuta, M., Mpoyi, Kalambayi, Ndemankeni, I., Kadima, K., Kelela, B., Ngiuvu, V., Bongombola, M., Dumu, L., & Latham, P. (2012). Plantes médicinales de traditions : Province de l’Équateur, R.D. Congo.
Koni, M., & Bostoen, K. (2008). Noms et usages des plantes utiles chez les Nsong. Göteborg Africana Informal Series, 6, 71.
Kouakou-Gbacla, G., Konan, B., N’da, A., Sanogo, M., Koné, A., & Ouattara-Soro, F. (2026). Phytochemical composition and antioxidant activity of aqueous, methanolic and ethanolic extracts from the leaves of Alchornea cordifolia (Euphorbiaceae) from Côte d’Ivoire. Asian Journal of Chemical Sciences, 16(2), 110–121. https://doi.org/10.9734/ajocs/2026/v16i2440
Kouakou-Siransy, G., Sahpaz, S., Nguessan, G., Datté, J., Brou, J., Gressier, B., & Bailleul, F. (2010). Effects of Alchornea cordifolia on elastase and superoxide anion produced by human neutrophils. Pharmaceutical Biology, 48(2), 128–133. https://doi.org/10.3109/13880200903051609
Kpodar, M., Karou, S. D., Katawa, G., Anani, K., Gbekley, H. E., Adjrah, Y., Tchacondo, T., Batawila, K., & Simpore, J. (2016). An ethnobotanical study of plants used to treat liver diseases in the Maritime Region of Togo. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 181, 263–273.
Makumbelo, E., Lukoki, L., Paulus, J., & Luyindula, N. (2008). Stratégie de valorisation des espèces ressources des produits non ligneux de la savane des environs de Kinshasa : II. Enquête ethnobotanique, aspects médicinaux. Tropicultura, 26(3), 129–134.
Mavar-Manga, H., Brkic, D., Marie, D. E. P., & Quetin-Leclercq, J. (2004). In vivo anti-inflammatory activity of Alchornea cordifolia (Schumach. & Thonn.) Müll. Arg. (Euphorbiaceae). Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 92(2–3), 209–214. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2004.02.019
Mavar-Manga, H., Haddad, M., Pieters, L., Baccelli, C., Penge, A., & Quetin-Leclercq, J. (2008). Anti-inflammatory compounds from leaves and root bark of Alchornea cordifolia (Schumach. & Thonn.) Müll. Arg. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 115(1), 25–29. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2007.08.043
Mbembo, B., Damien, N., Mbuyi, P., Masengo, C., Amogu, J., Falanga, C., Ngbolua, K., & Mpiana, P. (2022). A mini-review on ethnomedical uses, chemical constituents, pharmacological activities, and toxicological study of Alchornea cordifolia (Schum. & Thonn.) Müll. Arg. Pharmacy and Pharmacology International Journal, 10(4), 139–147. https://doi.org/10.15406/ppij.2022.10.00376
Morales, A., Mero, A., Díaz, M., Pinzón, J., Samba, N., Rodilla, J., & De León, E. (2023). Alchornea cordifolia: Actividad antioxidante y toxicidad. Congreso Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnología – APANAC, 266–273. https://doi.org/10.33412/apanac.2023.3946
Moshi, J., Otieno, F., Mbabazi, K., & Anke, W. (2009). The ethnomedicine of the Haya people of Bugabo Ward, Kagera Region, north western Tanzania. Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine, 5, Article 24.
Mpiana, P., Tshibangu, D., Shetonde, O., & Ngbolua, K. (2007). In vitro antidrepanocytary activity, anti-sickle cell anemia, of some Congolese plants. Phytomedicine, 14(2–3), 192–195. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phymed.2006.05.008
Ndjib, R., Djova, S., Kom, C., Agbor, G., Mamat, A., Dibong, S., & Nyegue, M. (2020). In vitro antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of Alchornea cordifolia (Schumach. & Thonn.) Müll. Arg. and Antrocaryon klaineanum Pierre extracts. International Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 12(8), 129–135. https://doi.org/10.22159/ijpps.2020v12i8.38272
Nga, E., Yinyang, J., Bidias, E., Etame-Loe, G., & Dibong, S. (2017). Étude phytochimique et pharmacologique d’Alchornea cordifolia (Schum. & Thonn.) Müll. Arg. et de Mangifera indica dans le traitement traditionnel de la maladie hémorroïdaire. Journal of Applied Biosciences, 109, 10649–10649. https://doi.org/10.4314/jab.v109i1.9
Ngbolua, K. (2017). Ethno-botanical survey and floristic study of medicinal plant taxa used by traditional healers in Gbadolite City, Province of Nord-Ubangi, Congo-Kinshasa. Zenodo. https://doi.org/10.5281/ZENODO.1116857
Ngbolua, K., Inkoto, C., Mongo, N., Ashande, C., Masens, Y., & Mpiana, P. (2019). Étude ethnobotanique et floristique de quelques plantes médicinales commercialisées à Kinshasa, République Démocratique du Congo. Revue Marocaine des Sciences Agronomiques et Vétérinaires, 7(1), 118–128.
Ngene, J., Ngoule, C., Pouka, K., Mvogo, O., Ndjib, R., Dibong, S., & Mpondo, M. (2015). Importance dans la pharmacopée traditionnelle des plantes à flavonoïdes vendues dans les marchés de Douala Est, Cameroun. Journal of Applied Biosciences, 88, 8194–8210.
N’Guessan, F., Kouassi, K., & Ouattara, D. (2010). Plants used to treat anaemia in traditional medicine by Abbey and Krobou populations in the South of Côte d’Ivoire. Journal of Applied Sciences Research, 6(8), 1291–1297.
N’Guessan, K., Tra Bi, F., & Koné, M. (2009). Étude ethnopharmacologique des plantes antipaludiques utilisées en médecine traditionnelle chez les Abbey et Krobou d’Agboville, Côte d’Ivoire. Ethnopharmacologia, 44.
Obiekwe, C., Ibegbulem, C., Ujowundu, C., Igwe, C., & Nwaoguikpe, R. (2025). Proximate analysis, phytochemical content and the antioxidant effect of Alchornea cordifolia methanol leaf extract in sickle cell disease management. International Journal of Science and Research Archive, 16(1), 319–333. https://doi.org/10.30574/ijsra.2025.16.1.1962
Okoye, F., Odimegwu, D., Anyasor, C., Ajaghaku, D., Gugu, T., Osadebe, P., & Proksch, P. (2015). A new antioxidant and antimicrobial compound isolated from Alchornea cordifolia leaves. African Journal of Pharmaceutical Research & Development, 7, 87–94.
Okoye, F., Osadebe, P., Nworu, C., Okoye, N., Omeje, E., & Esimone, C. (2011). Topical anti-inflammatory constituents of lipophilic leaf fractions of Alchornea floribunda and Alchornea cordifolia. Natural Product Research, 25(20), 1941–1949. https://doi.org/10.1080/14786419.2010.512272
Olowokudejo, J., Kadiri, A., & Travih, V. (2008). An ethnobotanical survey of herbal markets and medicinal plants in Lagos State of Nigeria. Ethnobotanical Leaflets, 12, 851–865.
Oruka, O., & Achuba, F. (2023). In vitro antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of aqueous leaf extract of Alchornea cordifolia. Journal of Applied Sciences and Environmental Management, 27(2), 299–304. https://doi.org/10.4314/jasem.v27i2.16
Osadebe, P., Ebi, G., & Okoye, F. (2007). Anti-inflammatory triterpenoids from Alchornea cordifolia leaves. Planta Medica, 73(9). https://doi.org/10.1055/S-2007-986807
Osadebe, P., & Okoye, F. (2003). Anti-inflammatory effects of crude methanolic extract and fractions of Alchornea cordifolia leaves. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 89(1), 19–24. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0378-8741(03)00195-8
Osadebe, P., Okoye, F., Uzor, P., Nnamani, N., Adiele, I., & Obiano, N. (2012). Phytochemical analysis, hepatoprotective and antioxidant activity of Alchornea cordifolia methanol leaf extract on carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatic damage in rats. Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Medicine, 5(4), 289–293. https://doi.org/10.1016/S1995-7645(12)60041-8
Page, M. J., McKenzie, J. E., Bossuyt, P. M., Boutron, I., Hoffmann, T. C., Mulrow, C. D., Shamseer, L., Tetzlaff, J. M., Akl, E. A., Brennan, S. E., Chou, R., Glanville, J., Grimshaw, J. M., Hróbjartsson, A., Lalu, M. M., Li, T., Loder, E. W., Mayo-Wilson, E., McDonald, S., … Moher, D. (2021). PRISMA 2020 statement: An updated guideline for reporting systematic reviews. BMJ, 372, Article n71. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.n71
Rodrigue, B., Pacôme, N., Fatoumata, D., Kangah, N., Kprié, K., & Tako, N. (2024). Alchornea cordifolia aqueous extract relieves adulthood cognitive disorders and oxidative damages due to LPS-induced neuroinflammation in neonatal Wistar rats. Haya: The Saudi Journal of Life Sciences, 9(5), 194–201. https://doi.org/10.36348/sjls.2024.v09i05.005 Sangare, D. (2003). Étude de la prise en charge du paludisme par les thérapeutes traditionnels dans les aires de santé de Kendie, Bandiagara, et de Finkolo AC, Sikasso, Mali [Thèse de doctorat, Université de Bamako].
Saraka, A., Camara, D., Bene, K., & Zirihi, G. (2018). Enquête ethnobotanique sur les Euphorbiaceae médicinales utilisées chez les Baoulé du District de Yamoussoukro, Côte d’Ivoire. Journal of Applied Biosciences, 126, 12734–12748.
Shea, B., Reeves, B., Wells, G., Thuku, M., Hamel, C., Moran, J., Moher, D., Tugwell, P., Welch, V., Kristjansson, E., & Henry, D. (2017). AMSTAR 2: A critical appraisal tool for systematic reviews that include randomised or non-randomised studies of healthcare interventions, or both. BMJ, 358, Article j4008. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.j4008
Sinan, K., Ak, G., Etienne, O., Jekő, J., Cziáky, Z., Gupcsó, K., João, R., Custodio, L., Mahomoodally, M., Sharmeen, J., Brunetti, L., Leone, S., Recinella, L., Chiavaroli, A., Orlando, G., Menghini, L., Tacchini, M., Ferrante, C., & Zengin, G. (2021). Deeper insights on Alchornea cordifolia (Schumach. & Thonn.) Müll. Arg extracts: Chemical profiles, biological abilities, network analysis and molecular docking. Biomolecules, 11(2), Article 219. https://doi.org/10.3390/biom11020219
Sisein, E. A., Owaba, A. D., & Faith, R. O. (2022). Antioxidant and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry characterization of methanol extract of Alchornea cordifolia. GSC Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 21(3), 071–076. https://doi.org/10.30574/gscbps.2022.21.3.0449
Sterne, J. A. C., Hernán, M. A., Reeves, B. C., Savović, J., Berkman, N. D., Viswanathan, M., Henry, D., Altman, D. G., Ansari, M. T., Boutron, I., Carpenter, J. R., Chan, A. W., Churchill, R., Deeks, J. J., Hróbjartsson, A., Kirkham, J., Jüni, P., Loke, Y. K., Pigott, T. D., & Higgins, J. P. T. (2016). ROBINS-I: A tool for assessing risk of bias in non-randomised studies of interventions. BMJ, 355, Article i4919. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.i4919
Tra Bi, F., Irié, G., N’gaman, K., & Mohou, C. (2008). Étude de quelques plantes thérapeutiques utilisées dans le traitement de l’hypertension artérielle et du diabète : Deux maladies émergentes en Côte d’Ivoire. Sciences & Nature, 5(1), 39–48.
Tugume, P., Kakudidi, E., Buyinza, M., Namaalwa, J., Kamatenesi, M., Mucunguzi, P., & Kalema, J. (2016). Ethnobotanical survey of medicinal plant species used by communities around Mabira Central Forest Reserve, Uganda. Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine, 12, Article 5.
Udoamaka, F., Ezuruike, N., & Prieto, J. (2014). Use of plants in the traditional management of diabetes in Nigeria: Pharmacological and toxicological considerations. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 155, 857–924.
Vroh Bi, T., Ouattara, D., & Kpangui, K. (2014). Disponibilité des espèces végétales spontanées à usage traditionnel dans la localité d’Agbaou, Centre-Ouest de la Côte d’Ivoire. Journal of Applied Biosciences, 76, 6386–6396.
Zirihi, G., N’Guessan, K., Etien, D., & Grellier, P. (2010). Ethnopharmacological study of plants used to treat malaria in traditional medicine by Bete populations of Issia, Côte d’Ivoire. Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research, 2(4), 216–227.
Downloads
Published
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2026 Monga et al.
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.
