From Ethnomedicine to Pharmacological Evidence: Phytochemistry, Biological Activities, and Therapeutic Potential of the Genus Abutilon (Malvaceae)
7 affiliations
- 1Faculty of Pharmacy, Joint-Stock Company JSC “South Kazakhstan Medical Academy”, Al-Farabi square, 1, 160000 Shymkent, Kazakhstan
- 2School of Pharmacy, Asfendiyarov Kazakh National Medical University, Tole Bi 94, 050012 Almaty, Kazakhstan
- 3Department of biochemistry, Asfendiyarov Kazakh National Medical University, Tole Bi 94, 050012 Almaty, Kazakhstan
- 4Kairat K. Turysov Institute of Geology and Oil and Gas Engineering, Satbayev University, 22 Satbaev str., 050013 Almaty, Kazakhstan
- 5City Polyclinic No. 10, 17 Aksai-4 Microdistrict, 050063 Almaty, Kazakhstan
- 6Department of Microbiology and Virology, Asfendiyarov Kazakh National Medical University, Tole Bi 94, 050012 Almaty, Kazakhstan
- 7School of Pharmacy, Bandung Institute of Technology, Bandung 40132, Indonesia
Abstract
The genus Abutilon (Malvaceae) comprises taxonomically and phytochemically diverse medicinal plants with a long history of ethnomedicinal use. This critical narrative review integrates evidence on the taxonomy, traditional applications, phytochemical composition, pharmacological activities, molecular mechanisms, safety, and pharmaceutical potential of Abutilon species, incorporating the literature published through September 2026. Flavonoids, phenolic acids, triterpenoids, phytosterols, polysaccharides, and fatty acids represent major reported constituent classes, although the reliability of their identification and quantitative characterization varies among studies. A. indicum and A. theophrasti remain the most extensively investigated species. Experimental findings support preliminary antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antidiabetic, hepatoprotective, gastroprotective, and other biological activities, predominantly in biochemical, cellular, and animal models. Mechanistic investigations have reported modulation of NF-κB/MAPK signaling, inflammatory mediators, glucose-regulatory processes, and oxidative stress-related responses; however, direct molecular target validation remains limited. Pharmaceutical studies have explored tablets, phytosomal formulations, and plant-mediated nanoparticles, but evidence of improved systemic bioavailability, therapeutic efficacy, and long-term safety remains insufficient. Toxicological findings indicate preparation- and dose-dependent responses, while controlled clinical evidence is extremely limited. Methodological heterogeneity, incomplete chemical standardization, and limited pharmacokinetic characterization further restrict cross-study comparisons and therapeutic translation. Future research should prioritize authenticated botanical materials, chemically standardized preparations, reproducible dose–response studies, direct mechanistic validation, comprehensive toxicological assessment, and appropriately designed clinical investigations. Overall, Abutilon represents a potentially valuable source of pharmacologically active natural products, but current evidence does not establish standardized clinical applications.
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BibTeX
@article{rakhymbayev2026from,
title = {{From Ethnomedicine to Pharmacological Evidence: Phytochemistry, Biological Activities, and Therapeutic Potential of the Genus Abutilon (Malvaceae)}},
author = {Nurgali Rakhymbayev and Galiya Ibadullayeva and Serzhan Mombekov and Aigerim Kantureyeva and Balzhan Azimkhanova and Meruyert Amantayeva and Sabit Pazilov and Ulzhan Iskakova and Nyshanbay Konash and Daryono Hadi Tjahjono and Akdidar Yegizbayeva and Kairat Zhakipbekov and Arailym Daulbayeva},
journal = {International Journal of Molecular Sciences},
year = {2026},
month = oct,
doi = {10.3390/ijms27219768},
url = {https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/27/21/9768},
note = {CC BY 4.0},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - From Ethnomedicine to Pharmacological Evidence: Phytochemistry, Biological Activities, and Therapeutic Potential of the Genus Abutilon (Malvaceae)
AU - Nurgali Rakhymbayev
AU - Galiya Ibadullayeva
AU - Serzhan Mombekov
AU - Aigerim Kantureyeva
AU - Balzhan Azimkhanova
AU - Meruyert Amantayeva
AU - Sabit Pazilov
AU - Ulzhan Iskakova
AU - Nyshanbay Konash
AU - Daryono Hadi Tjahjono
AU - Akdidar Yegizbayeva
AU - Kairat Zhakipbekov
AU - Arailym Daulbayeva
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/10/30
JO - International Journal of Molecular Sciences
DO - 10.3390/ijms27219768
UR - https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/27/21/9768
AB - The genus Abutilon (Malvaceae) comprises taxonomically and phytochemically diverse medicinal plants with a long history of ethnomedicinal use. This critical narrative review integrates evidence on the taxonomy, traditional applications, phytochemical composition, pharmacological activities, molecular mechanisms, safety, and pharmaceutical potential of Abutilon species, incorporating the literature published through September 2026. Flavonoids, phenolic acids, triterpenoids, phytosterols, polysaccharides, and fatty acids represent major reported constituent classes, although the reliability of their identification and quantitative characterization varies among studies. A. indicum and A. theophrasti remain the most extensively investigated species. Experimental findings support preliminary antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antidiabetic, hepatoprotective, gastroprotective, and other biological activities, predominantly in biochemical, cellular, and animal models. Mechanistic investigations have reported modulation of NF-κB/MAPK signaling, inflammatory mediators, glucose-regulatory processes, and oxidative stress-related responses; however, direct molecular target validation remains limited. Pharmaceutical studies have explored tablets, phytosomal formulations, and plant-mediated nanoparticles, but evidence of improved systemic bioavailability, therapeutic efficacy, and long-term safety remains insufficient. Toxicological findings indicate preparation- and dose-dependent responses, while controlled clinical evidence is extremely limited. Methodological heterogeneity, incomplete chemical standardization, and limited pharmacokinetic characterization further restrict cross-study comparisons and therapeutic translation. Future research should prioritize authenticated botanical materials, chemically standardized preparations, reproducible dose–response studies, direct mechanistic validation, comprehensive toxicological assessment, and appropriately designed clinical investigations. Overall, Abutilon represents a potentially valuable source of pharmacologically active natural products, but current evidence does not establish standardized clinical applications.
SN - 1422-0067
ER -