Systematic review on phytochemistry and ethnopharmacology of Brachypterum scandens (Roxb.) Wight & Arn.ex Miq.

Abstract

Brachypterum scandens (Roxb.) Wight & Arn.ex Miq. (syn. Derris scandens), an evergreen woody climber of the Fabaceae family, is widely recognised across Southeast Asia for its extensive application in traditional Indian, Chinese, and Thai medical systems. Ethnopharmacologically, the plant—particularly its stem, bark, and roots—is prescribed to alleviate musculoskeletal pain, osteoarthritis, inflammation, dysentery, and cardiovascular distress, and serves as an official herbal medicine in the Thai National List of Essential Medicines. Phytochemical investigations have revealed that B. scandens is rich in prenylated isoflavonoids, flavonoids, coumarins, triterpenoids, and phytosterols. Key bioactive compounds isolated include derrisisoflavones A–F, lupalbigenin, genistein-7-O-[α-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→6)-β-glucopyranoside] (GTG), 6,8-diprenylgenistein, scandenin, scandenone, betulinic acid, lupeol, and β-sitosterol. Pharmacological evaluations systematically validate these traditional claims, demonstrating potent anti-inflammatory effects through the inhibition of COX-2, iNOS, 5-LOX, TNF-α, and NF- NF-κB pathways. Furthermore, extracts and isolated phytoconstituents display significant cytotoxicity and pro-apoptotic activity against diverse human cancer cell lines (e.g., MCF-7, HT-29, HepG2, and A549), along with marked antimicrobial, antioxidant, wound-healing, hypoglycemic, thrombolytic, and insecticidal properties. This systematic review synthesises the ethnopharmacological applications, phytochemical profile, and reported pharmacological mechanisms of B. scandens, providing a scientific foundation for future targeted drug discovery and clinical development.