Pharmacological Properties of Bryophyllum and Kalanchoe Species

The genera Bryophyllum and Kalanchoe, succulents of the Crassulaceae family, are distinguished by a rich array of secondary metabolites, notably flavonoid glycosides and bufadienolides, which underpin their diverse pharmacological effects. Analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities arise from inhibition of cyclooxygenase enzymes and modulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as tumour necrosis factor-α. Robust antioxidant properties are achieved through scavenging of reactive oxygen species and upregulation of defence enzymes including superoxide dismutase and catalase, offering protection against oxidative-stress-mediated tissue damage. Antimicrobial efficacy has been demonstrated against Gram-positive and Gram-negative pathogens, with minimum inhibitory concentrations in the low microgram range. Cytotoxic and anticancer potential involves induction of apoptosis, cell cycle arrest in the G2/M phase and disruption of the mitotic apparatus. Antidiabetic actions include inhibition of α-amylase and α-glucosidase, while topical applications promote wound healing via reduction of inflammatory infiltrate and enhanced angiogenesis through increased vascular endothelial growth factor expression. Recent work highlights synergistic formulations with conventional drugs and stable gel preparations for dermatological use. Collectively, these properties substantiate the global significance of Bryophyllum and Kalanchoe spp. as sources for novel therapeutics addressing metabolic disorders, infection, inflammation, cancer and tissue repair.

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Pharmacological Properties of Bryophyllum and Kalanchoe Species publication trend

The graph below shows the total number of articles in pharmacological properties of bryophyllum and kalanchoe species across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).

Technical terms

Bufadienolides: Cardioactive steroid compounds found in Bryophyllum and Kalanchoe, associated with cytotoxic and antimicrobial effects.

Flavonoid glycosides: Phenolic metabolites conjugated to sugar moieties, responsible for antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive activities.

Reactive oxygen species: Chemically reactive molecules derived from oxygen that can damage cellular components and are counteracted by antioxidant enzymes.

IC50: The concentration of a substance required to inhibit a biological process or enzyme activity by 50%.

MIC (Minimum Inhibitory Concentration): The lowest concentration of an antimicrobial agent that prevents visible growth of a microorganism.

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF): A signalling protein that promotes formation of new blood vessels during wound healing.

Cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes: Enzymes (COX-1 and COX-2) involved in prostaglandin synthesis, mediating inflammation and pain.

Tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α): A pro-inflammatory cytokine implicated in inflammatory responses and targeted by anti-inflammatory therapies.

References

1. Bioactive Ingredients in K. pinnata Extract and Synergistic Effects of Combined K. pinnata and Metformin Preparations on Antioxidant Activities in Diabetic and Non-Diabetic Skeletal Muscle Cells. International Journal of Molecular Sciences (2023).
2. Gel formulated with Bryophyllum pinnatum leaf extract promotes skin wound healing in vivo by increasing VEGF expression: A novel potential active ingredient for pharmaceuticals. Frontiers in Pharmacology (2023).
3. Mechanisms Underlying the Antinociceptive, Antiedematogenic, and Anti‐Inflammatory Activity of the Main Flavonoid from Kalanchoe pinnata. Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine (2014).
4. Kalanchoe sp. Extracts—Phytochemistry, Cytotoxic, and Antimicrobial Activities. Plants (2023).
5. In Vitro Antimicrobial Activity Of Crude Extracts From Plants Bryophyllum pinnatum And Kalanchoe crenata. African Journal of Traditional Complementary and Alternative Medicines (2008).
6. Inhibitory effect of Bryophyllum pinnatum (Lam.) Oken leaf extract and their fractions on α-amylase, α-glucosidase and cholinesterase enzyme. Pharmacognosy Journal (2018).
7. Biological activities of leaf extracts from selected Kalanchoe species and their relationship with bufadienolides content. Pharmaceutical Biology (2020).