Ethnopharmacology, Biological Activity and Phytochemistry of Scaevola spinescens

Scaevola spinescens is endemic to Australia and has traditionally been used by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities to treat a variety of conditions including colds, flu, fever, stomach pain, urinary disorders, sores, tinea, leprosy, and cancer. Extracts prepared from S. spinescens are non-toxic and have been linked with various medicinal properties including antiviral, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer activities. These studies support the ethnopharmacological use of S. spinescens by Indigenous peoples of Australia and highlight the need for further investigations on the plant for potential use in pharmaceutical and food applications. This review provides a comprehensive, up-to-date review of the literature on S. spinescens focusing on the traditional use, medicinal properties, phytochemicals, and factors that affect their composition during pre-treatment and extraction, as well as providing a framework for future studies of the plant.

Automated summary

Scaevola spinescens, endemic to Australia, has been traditionally used by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities for treating various conditions, with extracts showing non-toxic properties and medicinal activities including antiviral, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer effects. The studies support the ethnopharmacological use of S. spinescens and emphasize the need for further investigations on its potential applications.