Davilla elliptica (Dilleniaceae) a. St.-Hil. Ethnomedicinal, phytochemical, and pharmacological aspects: A review

Abstract Davilla elliptica (Dilleniaceae) is a shrub that occurs naturally in the Brazilian Savannah (Cerrado). This shrub has been widely used in Brazilian folk medicine in tea preparing; infusions; and decoctions from leaves and roots for gastritis, ulcers, and diarrhea treatment. Given the therapeutic potential of this species, the present study provides a comprehensive review on its ethnopharmacological uses, botanical aspects, phytochemistry characterization, and in vivo and in vitro pharmacological studies. The relevant studies on D. elliptica were retrieved from the following scientific databases: Web of Science, Google Scholar, Scopus, SciFinder, PubMed, Scielo, and ScienceDirect. Additional information derived from other literature sources, such as books and Ph.D. and MSc theses, was also considered after a critical review. Ethnopharmacological reports of D. elliptica revealed the use of infusions from roots with tonic and purgative effects, whereas leaves have been used as anti-inflammatory and anti-ulcerative treatments, as well as to treat diarrhea and gastric disorders. Furthermore, fresh leaves have been used in baths to treat swelling. Phytochemical studies have led to the isolation of several compounds, including flavonoids derived from quercetin and myricetin, and tannins, which are known to exhibit relevant pharmacological activities. In vitro assays using crude extracts and/or isolated fractions and chemical constituents from D. elliptica have evidenced antibacterial, cytotoxic activities, while in vivo studies have proven gastroprotective, anti-inflammatory, antihemorrhagic, and antibacterial activities, corroborating ethnomedicinal reports. No relevant side effects has been reported previously, and some studies found a low toxicity and genotoxicity. However, further studies are still needed to ensure the safety of its therapeutic use. Future studies should focused on molecular mechanisms involved in bioactive components’ effects based on both fractions and isolated compounds, creating great opportunities for new investigations.