Title: Therapeutic Potentials Of Terpenoids From Nigerian Medicinal Plants
Authors: Ahmed Attahiru
Volume: 9
Issue: 9
Pages: 296-301
Publication Date: 2025/09/28
Abstract:
Terpenoids, also referred to as isoprenoids, represent the largest and most structurally diverse class of natural products with wide ranging pharmacological activities. Nigerian medicinal plants are particularly rich in terpenoids, which have long been utilized in ethnomedicine for the management of microbial infections, inflammatory conditions, metabolic disorders, cancer, and neurodegenerative diseases. This review critically explores the therapeutic potentials of terpenoids derived from Nigerian medicinal plants, emphasizing their chemical diversity, mechanisms of action, and clinical relevance. A comprehensive methodology was employed that integrates ethnobotanical surveys documenting indigenous uses of terpenoid rich plants with pharmacological investigations that validate their bioactivities. Case studies highlight the clinical use of Garcinia kola, valued for its anti-inflammatory and respiratory benefits, and Vernonia amygdalina, widely recognized for its role in diabetes management. The discussion extends to other promising species including Jatropha curcas, Annona senegalensis, and Allanblackia floribunda, each of which provides unique terpenoid scaffolds with therapeutic promise. Despite this potential, significant challenges remain, including poor bioavailability, instability, lack of standardization, and insufficient clinical validation. These limitations restrict the full translation of traditional knowledge into modern therapeutics. Future perspectives highlight strategies such as nanotechnology-based formulations to improve delivery and pharmacokinetics, omics-driven approaches to elucidate molecular mechanisms, and sustainable utilization frameworks to protect biodiversity while advancing drug discovery. Generally, terpenoids from Nigerian medicinal plants represent an underexplored but highly promising resource for novel therapeutic development with significant potential to contribute to global healthcare solutions.