Possible roles of Eucomis autumnalis in bone and cartilage regeneration: A review

In response to the recent alarming prevalence of cancer, osteoarthritis and other inflammatory disorders, the study of anti-inflammatory and anticancer crude medicinal plant extracts has gained considerable attention. Eucomis autumnalis is a native flora of South Africa with medicinal value. It has been found to have anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, anti-tumor/cancer, anti-oxidative and antihistaminic characteristics and produces bulb that have therapeutic value in South African traditional medicine. Despite the widely acclaimed therapeutic values of Eucomis autumnalis, its proper identification and proper knowledge, morphogenetic factors are yet to be efficiently evaluated. Similar to other plants with the same characteristics, E. autumnalis extract may stimulate bone formation and cartilage regeneration by virtue of its anti-inflammatory properties. This review provides data presented in the literature and tries to evaluate the three subspecies of E. autumnalis, highlighting their geographical location in South African provinces, their toxicity effects, as well as their phytochemistry and anti-inflammatory properties. Biologically active components, pharmacological importance and some environmental factors that can affect E. autumnalis are presented. The review also discussed the novel potential roles of E. autumnalis in regenerative medicine. Proper knowledge of the E. autumnalis plant and its possible role in bone and cartilage regeneration will help in addressing and clarifying its use in the production of drugs and for other therapeutic purposes, especially in the treatment of inflammatory diseases and cancer.