REVIEW article
Front. Pharmacol.
Sec. Ethnopharmacology
Volume 16 - 2025 | doi: 10.3389/fphar.2025.1593724
Ethnobotany, phytochemistry, pharmacology and toxicity of Hagenia abyssinica (Bruce) J.F.Gmel.: A review
Provisionally accepted
- 1Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
- 2The Second Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
- 3Shandong College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Yantai, China
- 4Shandong Xiehe University, Jinan, Shandong, China
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Hagenia abyssinica (Bruce) J.F.Gmel. (H. abyssinica), commonly known as "kosso," is a prevalent phytomedicine addressing aliments across Ethiopia. Traditionally, it is used to treat fever, abdominal pain, respiratory illnesses, intestinal parasitic infections, wound healing, and cancer. Current research has revealed its anthelmintic, antimicrobial, antihyperglycemic, antidyslipidemic, antidiarrheal, and antioxidant activities. These pharmacological properties might be attributed to the presence of secondary metabolites, such as terpenoids, flavonoids, and phenols. Its crude extract is safe in vivo at doses less than 2000 mg/kg, but larger doses can cause damage to the optic nerve. Although significant research findings are available, challenges remain. This paper provides a comprehensive review of research findings, identifying gaps in mechanistic studies and standardized toxicology assessments. Future priorities include applying ConPhyMP guidelines for extract characterization and integrating traditional knowledge with biodiversity conservation.
Keywords: Hagenia abyssinica (Bruce) J.F.Gmel., Traditional uses, phytochemistry, Pharmacology, Toxicity
Received: 14 Mar 2025; Accepted: 18 Jun 2025.
Copyright: © 2025 Shi, Ni, Zhang, Qu, Kong, Zhou and Xu. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY). The use, distribution or reproduction in other forums is permitted, provided the original author(s) or licensor are credited and that the original publication in this journal is cited, in accordance with accepted academic practice. No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms.
* Correspondence:
Honglei Zhou, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
Yan Xu, Shandong Xiehe University, Jinan, 250109, Shandong, China
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