Overview of genus Prosopis toxicity reports and its beneficial biomedical properties.

PERSIA FA; RINALDINI E; HAPON MB; GAMARRA LUQUES CD,

Journal of Clinical Toxicology

OMICS International Journals

Lugar: Los Angeles, CA; Año: 2016

2161-0495

Secondary plant metabolites are regarded as promising sources of plant-protectingsubstances and they are one of the most important lines of plant defense againstpests. The range of cellular targets for these substances is very wide and coversmetabolic pathways, macromolecules and organelles. In consequence, the plantderivatives study represents a critical situation in which toxic effects against otherorganisms need to be evaluated in relation to its biological benefits. The genusProsopis (Fabaceae) include 44 species and is considered among the world´s mostdamaging invasive species. The genus had been found in 129 countries globally andmany more countries are climatically suitable. Prosopis physiology evidences a widerange of adaptability, shows the capability to growth in several adverse conditions,accumulates heavy metals and synthetizes chemical defenses. Curiously, sinceantiquity, some Prosopis species around the world were described as important sourceof ethnopharmacological treatments for several illnesses. Toxicity against prokaryotemicroorganisms, fungus, parasites, mosquitoes, vertebrate animals and humans isrevised in the current work. In accordance to the reviewed literature, it is possible toconclude that more specific research could make Prosopis species an importantsource of nutraceuticals and phytopharmaceutical compounds. Moreover, by itsselective toxic effects, plant derivatives can be used as important source of new andsuccessful bioactive molecules