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Plant Science Today (PST)

Review Articles

Vol. 12 No. 3 (2025)

Bioactivities of Ximenia americana L. with a spotlight on probing its anti-Helicobacter pylori potential: A bioprospection review coupled molecular docking study

DOI
https://doi.org/10.14719/pst.6927
Submitted
27 December 2024
Published
07-05-2025 — Updated on 26-07-2025
Versions

Abstract

The medicinal plant Ximenia americana L., often called hog plum or wild olive, is indigenous to Africa and some regions of India and is well-known for its wide range of therapeutic uses. The phytochemical contents and therapeutic potential of X.americana are the primary focus of this review, which focuses on the antibacterial (anti-Helicobacter pylori) and antioxidant potentials. People have long used this plant to cure various illnesses, including fever, gastrointestinal issues and skin infections. Recent research has emphasized its substantial antioxidant potential, with leaf extracts demonstrating potent free radical scavenging properties. Studies on antimicrobials have validated their historical use in folk medicine, demonstrating notable efficacy against various harmful bacteria and fungi. However, researchers are still investigating their potential to combat H.pylori. Phytochemical analyses from multiple studies found a wealth of bioactive substances, including flavonoids, tannins and saponins, adding to its therapeutic advantages. This review highlights the value of X.americana as a natural resource and the need for more study to thoroughly understand its mechanism of action and possible uses in contemporary medicine, especially for illnesses linked to oxidative stress and infections caused by Helicobacter pylori. The anti-H. pylori action of epicatechin, rutin, cumaroyl-o-galloyl-glucose, quinic acid and procyanidin derived from X.americana via molecular docking is therefore highlighted in this review along with the bioprospection. Our results, however, call for more research on the bioactive extrolites of X. americana and their unique interaction with PPX/GppA in complex with GNP proteins to better acknowledge their potential as a treatment for H. pylori.

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