ANALYSIS OF THE PHARMACOLOGICAL POTENTIAL OF EUPHORBIA UMBELLATA BEYOND THE ONCOLOGICAL CONTEXT: A NARRATIVE REVIEW OF THERAPEUTIC APPLICATIONS
Abstract
The use of medicinal plants has emerged as an important complementary therapeutic strategy, particularly in terms of accessibility and the use of traditional practices. In this context, Euphorbia umbellata stands out; it is widely used in Brazilian folk medicine. Although most studies have focused on its antineoplastic activity, the species possesses pharmacological potential that extends to other therapeutic applications. Thus, the present study aimed to compile, evaluate, and interpret scientific studies on the use of Euphorbia umbellata in contexts unrelated to the tumor environment. This study is a qualitative narrative review based on studies retrivied from PubMed, SciElo, and Google Scholar databases. The results revealed that the plant possesses a broad spectrum of biological activities, such as anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, analgesic, immunomodulatory, gastroprotective, and vascular actions. These effects are mainly associated with the presence of bioactive compounds such as terpenoids and phenolics. Despite the promising findings, it is observed that most studies still focus on in vivo and in vitro experimental models, which limits their immediate clinical application. Thus, there is a need for clinical studies to confirm its efficacy and safety, thereby expanding the possibilities for its use in clinical practice.
Author Biographies
Master and PhD in Health Sciences from the Federal University of Triângulo Mineiro.
Master’s student in Health Sciences at the Federal University of Triângulo Mineiro. Medical student at the Federal University of Triângulo Mineiro.
Undergraduate student in Biomedical Sciences at the Federal University of Triângulo Mineiro.
Undergraduate student in Biomedical Sciences at the Federal University of Triângulo Mineiro.
Master’s student in Health Sciences at the Federal University of Triângulo Mineiro.
Master and PhD in Health Sciences from the Federal University of Triângulo Mineiro.
Master in Pathology and PhD in Health Sciences from the Federal University of Triângulo Mineiro.
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