A Review of Ethnomedicine, Phytochemistry, and Pharmacological Studies on Yellow Roots (Arcangelisia flava (L.) Merr.)

Yellow Root (Arcangelisia flava (L.) Merr.), a member of the Menispermaceae family, is a plant used in traditional Asian medicine, particularly in Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines. This article attempts to summarise, based on scientific literature, the extensive ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry, and toxicology of this plant. Some bioactive of this plant may have multi - dimensional health benefits and provide a new foundation for future research on the mechanism and the creation of more effective medicinal agents and healthy products. Recent research has shown that this plant possesses a wide range of pharmacological properties, including aphrodisiac, anti-microbial, anti-depressant, anti-diarrhea, anti-helminthic, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, anti-malaria, antioxidant, atherosclerosis, jaundice, anti-diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and cardioprotective. No clinical trials have been conducted, which is a limitation of this review. Consequently, the effect of yellow roots on humans remains unknown; therefore, further research is required to explore the advanced clinical therapeutic applications and develop valuable products for this plant's commercial market of bioactive candidates for designing appropriate pharmaceuticals and complementary and effective medicines.