Review Article

Ethnopharmacology, Biological Evaluation, and Chemical Composition of Ziziphus spina-christi (L.) Desf.: A Review

Table 1

Biological evaluation of Z. spina.

S/NBiological evaluationMethodSolventsPlant partMajor findingsReference

1AntioxidantCallus extractZinc and selenium oxide nanoparticlesOn 1-BJ1 normal cells, ZnONPs and SeONPs have promising antioxidant potential[24]
DPPH and β-carotene-linoleic acidn-hexaneFruitsWith IC50 values of 5.5 and 4.1 μg/mL, the fruit extract showed antioxidant activity[25]
DPPH, FRAPEthanol, hexaneEthanolic extract demonstrates higher inhibitory activity compared with the hexane. The lower the value, the better the plants’ ability to scavenge free radicals[26]
DPPH, FRAPMethanolic, ethanolic, and aqueousLeavesWith IC50 values of 21.4, 24.2, and 54.3 g/mL for methanolic, aqueous, and ethanolic leaf extracts, respectively, the activity demonstrated good antioxidant capacity in terms of radical scavenging activity. The leaf extracts’ reducing power was discovered to be concentration dependent[27]
In vivo70% ethanolLeavesEnhanced balance and motor coordination. Short step-through latency was lengthened when the leaf extract was administered to ischemia rats[28]
In addition to reducing malondialdehyde levels in the brain and serum, the leaf extract also increased serum and brain antioxidant ability
DPPHEthanolLeavesWith an IC50 of 23.4, leaves had a significant activity against free radicals[29]
DPPHAqueous and ethanolicLeaves and barkThe activity of the leaf aqueous and ethanolic extracts was 30 and 91 at a concentration of 0.5 mL, respectively, while that of the aqueous and ethanolic extract of the bark was 44 and 70, respectively[30]
In vivo70% methanolFruitsThe findings of this study show that the fruit extract may prevent the development of chronic experimental colitis in rats[31]
In vivoEthanolic, aqueousLeavesThe leaf extracts had immunologic and antioxidant effects on rabbits exposed to a 2% H2O2 solution to generate oxidative stress[32]
DPPH, FRAPSeeds6–12–24–48 h were all used in the fermentation process. Fermented seed extracts had substantially higher phenolic, vitamin C, and total carotenoid contents and antioxidant activity than unfermented samples at [33]
DPPHMethanolLeavesThe leaf extract has an IC50 of 33.91 mg/mL for scavenging activity[34]
DPPHMethanolLeavesThe leaf extract had a high level of antioxidant activity at 0.086 μg/mL[35]
DPPH, ribosomal degradation assayAqueousEssential oilScavenging activity of the essential was found with an IC50 value of 53 ± 2[36]
DPPHEthyl acetateWhole plantThe whole plant extract demonstrated significant inhibition capacity at 61 ± 0.04[37]
DPPHDistilled water, methanolLeavesA dose-dependent inhibition was seen in distilled water and methanol leaf extract. However, the proportion of free radical inhibition in the n-butanol fraction was greater than that in the other fractions[38]
ABTS, DPPH, FRAP, SRSA, TRPAMethanolFruitsAll methods exhibited a strong activity, with chelating methods having the highest at 94% at the concentration of 100 μg/mL[39]
Rancimat, DPPHLeavesThe results show that leaf polyphenols, when added to the test system in varying amounts, have antioxidant activity. Similarly, after only 10 minutes, a scavenging capacity of 40.00 was achieved using four different concentrations of phenolic compounds. After the first 10 minutes of incubation, the scavenging capacity remained the same in all cases[40]
DPPH, ABTS, and Fe2+ chelating assaysAqueous, methanol, ethanol, acetoneRootDPPH, ABTS, and Fe2+ chelating assays with IC50 values of 0.41 ± 0.01; 0.33 ± 0.14; and 0.24 ± 0.03, respectively[41]
Peroxidase, catalase assayAqueous, ethanolicLeavesLeaf extract exhibited a significant activity against the free radicals[42]
In vivoLeavesAntioxidants such as T-AOC, GSH-Px, T-SOD, and CAT considerably greater in the blood of rats fed with high leaf diets[43]
DPPH, ABTSAqueous, methanolLeavesWhen compared with the benchmark of 100 μg/mL, the scavenging activity of the leaf extract was 96%. With an increase in the concentration, there is a simultaneous rise in scavenging activity[44]
DPPH70% ethanolSeeds and fruitsThe fruits were found to have the highest inhibition of 54.10 at the concentration of 200 μg/mL[45]

2Anti-inflammatoryIn vivoEthanolRoot or barkWith a total inhibition of 79.2%. This explains why these plants have long been used as polyherbs to cure ulcers[46]
In vivoIn addition to reducing ulcer size and reducing colitis indicators, pretreatment with the extract (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg/day) at various dosages slowed the progression of inflammation and prevented mucosal damage. In comparison with the reference medicine, mesalazine (MLZ), ZFE (400 mg/kg) therapy reduced inflammatory colonic damage more significantly[47]
In vivoLeavesSubstantially and dose-dependently reduced sepsis-induced liver and spleen damage, according to our findings. These findings imply that, through eliciting anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, they could be used to treat sepsis[48]
Protein denaturation70% ethanolSeeds and fruitsBoth portions of the plant extract had anti-inflammatory activity that was comparable to that of the common anti-inflammatory medication diclofenac[45]
MethanolRoot (ZS-Ag-NPs)It effectively enhanced mRNA expression levels of vascular endothelial cell growth factor and decreased oxidative stress as well as vascular cell inflammation in adipocyte CM. Obesity progression and metabolic inflammatory pathogenesis associated with age were successfully decreased by ZS-Ag-NPs’ molecular mechanical activity[49]
Protein denaturationMethanol, ethanolLeavesHigh activity was recorded with the methanolic extract even at 95 compared with the standard at 20.2%, respectively[50]
Ethanolic, aqueousLeavesThe ethanolic extract demonstrated significant efficacy as well as modest antipyretic effect[51]
In vivoHexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate, and methanolRootIn all models, except the tail-flick test, where the activity was not statistically significant, the percentage exhibits some amount of dose-related effect[52]
In vivoLeaves (AgNPs)Pretreatment with nanoparticles improved histological parameters such as little infiltration and fibrosis, low pleomorphism, and reduced hepatocytes and degeneration[53]
In vivoLeafUsing extract ointments for burns is beneficial[54]
Healing with histological alterations, however, the group treated with leaf extract had the greatest improvement
Ointment had a better cellular response to the inflammatory process than the other group in which re-epithelialization appears early in the healing process

3AntibacterialEthanol, aqueousLeaves[55]
Agar diffusionEthanol, petroleum ether, ethyl acetate, methanol, and aqueousLeaves, stem bark, fruitsThe extract at the concentration of 100 mg/mL was found to have activity against some of the tested strain with methanolic extract having a minimum MIC at 6.25 μg/mL. These findings offer promising preliminary evidence for the use of crude extracts in the treatment of bacterial infections[56]
DiscEthanolLeavesThe highest zone of inhibition was found at 15 mm against E. coli[57]
Cup-plate agar diffusionPetroleum ether, chloroform, methanol, and aqueousFruits, leaves, seeds, and stemsMethanol extracts from all parts had the highest activity, followed by chloroform and petroleum ether. No activity was recorded from aqueous extracts[58]
Ethanolic, aqueousLeavesIt also stopped the tested strain from growing. However, there was no evidence of analgesic or diuretic action. Surface activity was seen in the aqueous extract of the leaves, with a threshold micelle concentration of 0.25 percent w/v[51]
Agar well diffusionLeavesWith an MIC value of 0.25 mg/mL, Escherichia coli was found to be the most vulnerable bacterium to the extract, while Staphylococcus aureus was discovered to be the most resistant strain with an MIC value of 1.00 mg/mL. To summarize, the plant’s leaves might be used in food processing and further investigated for the treatment of microbial illnesses[59]
Disc diffusionAqueousSeedsThe extract exhibited substantial action against all tested MDR strains. Besides, its polyphenol component demonstrated a stronger impact. Furthermore, the entire extract MIC varied between 3.125 and 12.5 mg/mL and MBC was 3.125–25 mg/mL against prior strains. While the polyphenol fraction, MIC and MBC were around 0.312–1.25 mg/mL and 0.312–2.5 mg/mL, respectively[60]
Aqueous, ethanolicLeavesBoth extracts have an inhibitory effect on many bacterial species in this investigation. Most effective at 200 mg/mL when they came to killing germs[61]
Callus extractZinc and selenium oxide nanoparticlesThe results showed that both crystals have antibacterial ability against the tested strains, with SeONPs having stronger antimicrobial activity than ZnONPs[24]
Agar wellHexaneSeed oilAt 11, 10, 8, and 8 mm, it was active against the tested strains. The findings of this study have established scientific validity for the use of this seed oil in herbal medicine to treat bacteria-related diseases[62]
Disc diffusionEthanolic and methanolicLeavesBoth extracts were discovered to be potent antibacterial agents against all microorganisms tested. At concentrations of 128, 100, 64, and 32 mg/L, inhibitory action was measured. At 128 mg/L, the ethanolic extract exhibited the maximum activity of 21 mm against Salmonella sp., whereas the methanolic extract had the lowest activity of 9 mm against Escherichia coli[63]
Disc diffusionEthanolLeaveAt doses of 5, 15, and 30 mg/mL, the average diameter of the inhibitory zone was 0 to 17 mm. At 30 mg/mL, it is highly effective against all used bacterial strains. With Staphylococcus aureus, the largest inhibitory zone diameter was 17 mm[64]
Agar diffusionAqueous and ethanolicLeavesThe inhibitory zone’s diameter in cm varied between 1.5 and 2.3 and 2 and 2.2, respectively[65]
Agar wellEthanolStem barkAt , there was a notable increase in activity. Gram-positive bacteria were more vulnerable to this extract than gram-negative bacteria, according to these findings[66]
Well-diffusion methodAqueousHoneyThe microbiological strains were severely hampered. There were no resistant microbial strains, with the highest sensitivity at 36 mm[67]
MICn-hexaneFruitsThe minimum inhibitory concentrations against the tested microorganisms ranged from 32 to 125 g/mL[25]
Agar-well diffusion, MIC, MBCMethanolFruitsOverall, the research found that the fruit extract possessed Gram-negative bacteria that have no antibacterial action, while moderate antibacterial activity was shown against gram-positive bacteria. The discovered actions, however, were not noteworthy compared with antibiotics[68]
Well-diffusion methodAqueousAquatic leaves, aquatic stem bark, and combination of leaves + stem barkAll of the tested strains were extremely sensitive to a combination of leaves and stem bark within the inhibition zone of 25–35 mm[69]
Disc diffusionEthanol, aqueousLeavesThe ethanolic leaf extract had the highest activity against S. aureus at 18 mm, while the aqueous extract had the lowest activity against B. subtilis at 13 mm[70]
Disc diffusion methodEthanolLeavesWithin the 8–26 mm range, there was a lot of activity[71]
Agar wellAgNO3 aqueousLeafThe SNPs had good activity against S. aureus and E. coli, with inhibition zones of 18 and 20 mm, respectively[72]
MethanolLeavesThe extract revealed activity via secondary metabolites such as alkaloids and flavonoids. Significant influences on microbial growth harmed energy metabolism, leading to fat accumulation and protein inhibition[73]
Well diffusion methodMethanolLeaves, fruits, and stemsLeaf extract exhibited higher inhibition zone at [74]
Agar wellEthanol and methanolBark, leaves, fruits, seeds and rootsAll of the bacterial strain tested were sensitive to plant extracts. Except for Enterobacter aerogenes, the bark extract was the most effective against all bacteria[75]
Well diffusionAqueous and ethanolLeaves and stem barkThe aqueous stem bark extracts had inhibition on the tested strains with the highest inhibition on Klebsiella spp. and E. coli at 20 mm, respectively[76]
Disc diffusionAqueousLeaf (AgNPs)The extract had a good inhibitory impact on all gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria tested, with the maximum activity against P. aeruginosa 16 mm[77]
EthanolIt was found to exhibited activity at 9, 6, 7, 5, and 6 mm against the tested strain[78]
Well diffusionAqueousLeaf (AgNO3)Maximal inhibitory zones activity of 24, 23, 15, and 17 mm in the extract, respectively[79]
Agar disc diffusionEthanolicSeedThese extracts demonstrated inhibitory activity at various stages of germination; the first stage had 22 mm inhibitory activity against S. faecalis and 20 mm against S. aureus, and 15 mm inhibitory activity against P. aeruginosa. The second stage exhibits 15 mm against S. faecalis, 14 mm against P. aeruginosa, and 10 mm against S. aureus[80]
Plate agar methodPetroleum ether, chloroform, 80% ethanol, and aqueousLeaves, fruits, and seedsA significant activity was recorded from the extract[81]
Agar diffusionMethanolicLeavesB. cereus 15, C. perfringens 12, L. monocytogenes 11, S. aureus 10, P. vulgaris 8.5, and V. parahaemolyticus 8 mm, respectively, were tested. The extract had no discernible effect on the remaining strains tested[82]
LeavesWith a probability activity value of more than 0.300, PASS analysis revealed that 15 compounds (64.51 percent) have antibacterial potential. The extract inhibited pathogenic bacterial growth in a moderate-to-strong manner, except for V. vulnificus, for which it provided a poor inhibition[83]
Disc diffusionEthanol, methanolLeavesBoth extracts had the lowest antibiofilm impact on the tested strains[84]
Disc diffusionAqueous, ethanolLeavesOn all of the studied strains, the MIC shows that the aqueous extract ranges from 12.8 to 8.3 mg/mL, whereas the ethanolic extract ranges from 13.5 to 8.8 mg/mL[85]
Agar well diffusionAqueousLeavesThe extracts at 50 μg/mL had no effect on any of the bacterial strains, while the greatest activity was at 100 μg/mL with 9 mm zone of inhibition against Klebsiella oxytoca and Proteus mirabilis, respectively[86]
Diffusion assayFruitsThis lipid fraction was active against the tested bacterial strains. At 2.6 mm, the fatty acid fraction had a lot of activity against it[87]
Disc diffusionMethanolLeaves, stemAt the concentration of 200 mg/mL recorded an inhibition zones of 16, 14, and 16 mm, respectively[88]
Agar wellAqueous and methanolicLeaves and seedsAgainst five bacterial strains at varied doses of 25, 50, 100, and 200 mg/mL, respectively. At 25 mg/mL, no activity was recorded. The leaves aqueous had the maximum activity at 17.67 mm against Staphylococcus aureus and, similarly, had the lowest activity at 7.33 mm against Pseudomonas aeruginosa[89]
Disc diffusionEthanol, petroleum ether, ethyl acetateLeaf, seed, young stem, fruits, and rootIt has moderate activity with the minimum inhibition at 6 and maximum at 10 mm, respectively[90]
Disc diffusionAqueous and ethanolicLeaves and barkEthanolic bark inhibits higher inhibition with at 22 for Escherichia coli and 15 mm for Staphylococcus aureus, respectively[30]
MIC, MBCEthanolLeavesHave minimum inhibitory zone activity against bacteria, enteropathogenic E. coli at concentrations of 50% and minimum bactericidal activity at concentrations of 75% at 106 CFU/mL[91]
Agar wellEthanolLeavesAt a dosage of ≥0.25 g/mL, it has antibacterial action and inhibits the bacteria P. acne[29]
Disc diffusionEthanol, methanolicLeavesThe maximum inhibitory activity for S. aureus and B. cereus were 18 and 14 mm for methanolic extract and 15 mm for ethanolic extract against S. aureus and P. mirabilis, respectively[92]
Agar cupEthanolicLeavesMIC and MBC were 20 mg and 40 mg mL−1, respectively[93]
Well method
Agar wellAqueous, ethanolLeavesThe greatest rate of inhibition diameter against Staphylococcus aureus, 18 mm in concentration 500 mg mL. No activity was recorded against the tested strains from aqueous extract[94]
Agar plate diffusion and broth dilutionAqueousStem barkThe extract showed efficacy against all organisms tested. Except for S. pyogenes, which had an MIC of 25 mg/mL, the MIC was 12.5 mg/mL against all species[95]
Agar wellMethanol and ethanolLeavesThe activity of 2.5 percent NaOCl against E. faecalis was the strongest, followed by hydroalcoholic and methanolic extracts. Until research like this identifies a better alternative, NaOCl is an effective irrigant in root treatment[96]
In vitro, in vivoAqueous cold water and ethanolLeavesSignificantly inhibited the growth of the tested strains at 95%[97]
Agar wellAqueous ethanolBarkThe maximum inhibition was recorded at 22 mm against E. coli[98]
Microtiter plateHot and aqueousLeavesWith the concentration of 50 mg/mL, the results demonstrated the ability of the extract to prevent biofilm formation[99]
Disc diffusionLeavesAny inhibition below 6 mm was considered as no activity with 800 μg/disc. The following study found no activity against the tested strains[100]
Agar wellAqueous, ethanolicLeavesEthanolic leaf extract exhibited the highest activity against S. aureus with an inhibition zone of 20 mm[101]
Cup-plate agar diffusionPetroleum ether, ethyl acetate, ethanol, methanol, and distilled waterStem barkStudies revealed that the methanolic extract at 100 mg/mL exhibited the highest activity of 25 mm. The extract reduced the development of all bacteria, with most extracts showing antimicrobial action on multiple levels[102]
DiscHoneyDemonstrate a significant activity against the tested strain[103]
AqueousLeavesS. aureus and S. haemolyticus biofilm formation was prevented by a hot extract tested against the biofilm formation. The results showed that the two antibiotics and the plant extract could both prevent the biofilm formation[104]
Agar wellAqueous and ethanolicLeavesThe aqueous extracts demonstrated a significant inhibition zone of 5.6 mm against Streptococcus pyogenes at a dosage of 100 mg/mL, with the least inhibition around S. aureus. The ethanolic extract, at a dosage of 100 mg/mL, has the biggest inhibitory zone against Klebsiella pneumonia, measuring 6.6 mm. Our findings imply that is a good alternative antibacterial agent against a variety of pathogenic bacteria[42]
Pour-plate methodZiziphus honeyIn most dilutions, the extract was higher after 120 hours of incubation for each of the tested strains. After 120 hours, the microbial count was reduced by 3–7.5 logs compared with the control[105]
Well diffusion methodsAqueousFruitsAgNPs’ inhibitory activity against all investigated human pathogenic microorganisms rose with fruit ripening progress from mature fruit to unripe fruit to immature fruit[106]
Cup-plate agar diffusionEthyl acetateWhole plantAt the bacterial concentration of 1 mg/mL, the extract recorded the highest inhibition of 22 mm against S. aureus[37]
Agar plateAqueousPulpStudy revealed increased sensitivity to E. coli and P. aeruginosa. MIC of 6.25 mg/mL. For S. pyogenes, MBC of 12.5 mg/mL[107]
Micro broth dilutionAqueousEssential oilInhibited the development of Penicillium digitatum and Klebsiella pneumonia at doses of 128 and 512 g/mL, respectively[36]
Microdilution methodHot water and ethanolLeavesThe ethanolic extract has the highest inhibition at 4 ± 1.03[108]

4AntifungalCup-plate agar diffusionPetroleum ether, chloroform, methanol, and aqueousFruits, leaves, seeds, and stemsNo activity recorded[58]
EthanolLeavesIn comparison with the control, cells treated with 150 μL/mL of the extract had an average sterol content approximately three times higher[109]
Cup-plate agar diffusionPetroleum ether, ethyl acetate, ethanol, methanol, and distilled waterStem barkExhibited strong activity at concentration 100 mg/mL with an inhibition zone of 20 mm. These discoveries can be used to aid in the treatment of fungal illnesses[102]
Agar well diffusionEthanol and methanolLeavesAccording to the findings, the ethanolic extract possesses antifungal characteristics and can be utilized to treat fungal infections. More research is needed to evaluate the effectiveness of this plant in treating candidiasis patients[110]
Micro broth dilutionAqueousEssential oilIn a dosage of 64 μg/mL, 99.9% of Aspergillus niger does not grow[36]
Agar wellEthanolStem barkFungal strains with significant activity at ranged from 3.90 to 32.3 g/mL[66]
Well diffusionAqueousHoneyThe microbiological strains were severely hampered. There were no resistant microbial strains, with the highest sensitivity at 36 mm[67]
Agar wellAqueous, ethanolicLeavesAt a dosage of 500 mg/mL, both ethanolic and aqueous extracts inhibited Candida albicans with inhibition diameters of 32 mm and 18 mm, respectively[94]
The study revealed increased sensitivity to the tested strain, indicating the antifungal activity of the extract[107]
Agar plate diffusion and broth dilutionAqueousStem barkThere was no inhibition at low doses, and it was susceptible above 600 mg/mL, implying that the extract has antifungal potential[95]
Agar wellAqueous and ethanolicBarkThe maximum inhibition was recorded at 17 mm[98]
Callus extractZinc and selenium oxide nanoparticlesBoth crystals have antifungal activity against the tested strain, with SeONPs having greater antifungal activity than ZnONPs, according to the findings[24]
Agar cup wellEthanolicLeavesNo activity against the tested fungal strain[93]
Agar dilutionAqueousLeavesThe extracts were found to have action against Fusarium, Helminthosporium, Alternaria, and Rhizoctonia species, as well as inhibiting Alternaria and Fusarium sporogenesis[111]
In vivoEthanolLeavesA shampoo containing the plant extract was then developed and tested on 80 people with dandruff for a period of four weeks. With the Sidr shampoo formulation, 86% of the participants reported significant improvement in their dandruff symptoms[112]
Plate agar methodPetroleum ether, chloroform, 80% ethanol, and aqueousLeaves, fruits, and seedsA significant activity was recorded from the extract[81]
Extracts were found to have antifungal efficacy against all fungi examined. These findings suggested that the extracts could be used as a substitute for chemical additives in the treatment of fungal diseases in plants[113]
EthanolLeavesWhen treated with the extract at a dosage of 20%, it failed to generate spores[114]
96-well platesEthanol (80%, v/v)Fruits (unripe and ripe)The minimum inhibitory concentration 90 values for ripe and unripe fruits were 25 and 0.1 g/mL, respectively[115]
Agar diffusionMethanolicLeavesNo activity[82]

5AntidiarrhoealIn vivoStem barkThe extract was shown to protect rats against castor oil-induced diarrhoea as well as reduce intraluminal fluid collection and gastrointestinal transit, according to the results. In mice, the intraperitoneal and oral LD50 values were 3465 and 1200 mg/kg, respectively[116]

6AntiparasiticIn vivo70% ethanolLeavesEndothelial contraction was dose-dependent and substantial () in both intact and denuded aortas. A comparable reaction to the leaf extract at a concentration of 5 mg/mL was seen with KCl (50 mM). Aortic endothelium intact and denuded aorta contractions were decreased by 66.7% (mean + SEM) and 71.67% (mean + SEM) when verapamil was applied, respectively[117]
AqueousLeavesAt concentrations of 6, 25, 12.5, 25, 50, 100, and 200 mg/mL, the drug effective against Egyptian species of schistosomes[118]
In vivo70% methanolLeavesAs a result, the extract was shown to have antiapoptotic, antifibrotic, antioxidant, and protective properties against S. mansoni-induced liver lesions in this investigation. The extract’s antifibrinogenic and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) advantages against S. mansoni were due to the enhancement of these two pathways[47]
AqueousLeavesThe findings indicated that the extract at concentrations of 500, 250, and 125 μg/mL killed 100% of Egyptian Schistosoma strains of adult worms and schistosomula of S. haematobium within 6 to 12 hours of incubation. As a result, these medicinal plant extracts might be utilized to treat schistosomiasis in a safe and effective manner[119]
In vivo70% methanolLeavesIn the 3rd, 4th, and 5th groups, oocyst shedding was dramatically reduced to roughly 10.7 × 103, 28.3 × 103, and 23.8 × 103 oocysts/g faeces, respectively[120]
In vitro/in vivoAqueous and methanolicLeavesOn day 21 after treatment, the extract exhibited a decrease in egg count percent (EPG) in faeces of 61.5 and 78.7% at dosages of 100 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg. EPG of faeces decreased by 24.4, 73.1, and 85.1% at 100, 400, and 800 mg/kg dosages, respectively[121]
MethanolicLeavesThe extract significantly reduced the viability of L. major amastigotes at , whereas it induced NO production and release, apoptosis, and plasma membrane permeability in macrophage cells with no evidence of harm[122]
MTT assayMethanolic, aqueousAqueous extracts had IC50 values of 60 and 80 μg/mL, respectively, for methanol and water. Promastigotes of L. major were severely affected by all plant extracts[123]
In vivo70% methanolLeavesE. papillata infection enhanced the generated jejunal damage. Furthermore, treatment of infected mice with 100 and 300 mg ZLE/kg increased the number of goblet cells in the jejunal villi substantially[120]

7AntiviralPlate agar methodPetroleum ether, chloroform, 80% ethanol, and aqueousLeaves, fruits, and seedsA significant activity was recorded from the extract[81]
In vivoLeavesThe leaf extract was effectively used to treat rashes on a 50-year-old man[124]
In vivoEthanolLeavesSignificantly reduced the growth of the rashes compared with the control group[125]

8AntimalarialIn vivo70% methanolLeavesThe liver and spleen histopathology examinations revealed severe histological abnormalities. The histopathological appearance of the liver and spleen in treated animals improved significantly. Treatment resulted in a significant return of oxidative indicators to normal levels, according to biochemical analyses[126]
In vivoLeavesTo sum up, the findings suggest that the extract’s antiplasmodial and antioxidant properties might help reduce the devastation caused by P. berghei-induced cerebral malaria[127]
In vivo70% methanolLeafHad a considerable impact on liver function enzymes as well as histological images of the liver. It is possible to infer that the extracts protect against Plasmodium infection, as shown by considerable improvements in hepatic oxidative indicators[128]

9AntidiabeticAlpha amylase and glucosidase assayMethanol, ethanolLeavesThe enzyme exhibited strong activity with methanolic extract against alpha-amylase and glucosidase at 8.9 and 39.12 μg/mL, respectively[50]
In vivoMethanolLeavesAt concentrations of 100 μg/mL, the extracts were shown to inhibit alpha-amylase and glucosidase by 54 and 43%, respectively[129]
In vivoEthanolLeavesCompared with the control group, diabetic rats had significantly lower glucose levels and significantly higher blood insulin levels. When compared with diabetic control and nondiabetic control rats, the treatment group demonstrated a significant reduction in triglycerides, indicating that it had a hypolipidemic impact[130]
In vivoAqueous and methanolicLeavesFollowing therapy with 500 mg/kg, the highest activity at 25.59 and 39.48% after 7 and 15 days, respectively, was discovered at . Similarly, the 500 mg/kg therapy had the greatest () hypoglycaemic effect at 29.07 and 35.56% after 7 and 15 days, respectively[44]

10AntiobesityIn vivoLeavesImproved liver and kidney function and lowered lipid peroxidation in hypercholesterolemic male rats treated with the extract. As a result of its high concentration of phenolic chemicals, the antihyperlipidemic effects of this extract might be linked to inhibition of oxidative stress[131]
In vivoAqueousSeedBiochemical and histological changes were reversed with the extract in G3 therapy. The extract lowered hypercholesterolemia, inhibited oxidative stress, and restored biochemical and histological characteristics that had been changed[132]

11AntianxietyIn vivoLeafAdministering the extract after HgCl2 exposure stopped mercury build-up in the cortical slices. As a result, the levels of malondialdehyde were reduced, as were those of nitrite and nitrate production and nitrite and nitrate creation enzymes. Glutathione levels were also boosted, as were those linked to the antioxidant enzymes glutathione reductase and glutathione peroxidase. Might be used to reduce the damage to neurons caused by HgCl2 poisoning[133]
Rotarod testing was utilized to assess motor coordination. The raised plus maze’s open-arm duration was dramatically lengthened when Z. spina extract (200 mg/kg) was administered. A lower proportion of entrances into the closed arms and less time spent in the closed arms were both lowered by the extract. Motor coordination and balance were unaffected by the concentration of Z. spina extract in the study. Scopolamine-induced anxiety is greatly reduced by Z. spina hydroalcoholic extract[134]
In vivoEthanolLeavesThe leaf extract significantly reduces the expression of the indicators studied compared with the induction group. The extract may protect the male against pentylenetetrazole-induced harm[135]

12Growth promoterIn vivoLeavesThe findings of this study could have supported the use of low doses of a 20 g SL/kg diet as natural growth promoters without affecting rabbit performance[136]
R2 had significantly greater end weight and total growth () than R1, but not significantly higher than R3. R2’s daily increase, on the other hand, was much greater than R3’s. As a result, feed additives of ZSCL (15 g/kg DM) are strongly suggested in the feeding practices of developing lambs[137]
In vivoLeavesConsumption level of 10%, the findings revealed that the treatment had a significant impact on broiler chicken output and mortality (). In the care of broiler chicks, the extract may be used as an alternative to synthetic nutrients[138]

13InsecticidalAqueous, methanol, ethanolic, and acetonicRootThe extract has the strongest insecticidal potential when tested against Lasioderma serricorne. The ethanolic and acetonic extracts had LC95 values of 3.17 and 4.86 μg/insect, respectively. The current study adds to the usefulness of Z. spina as a source of epicatechin, which can be employed as a bio-antioxidant and a bioinsecticide[41]

14AnticancerMTT assayMethanolLeavesThe IC50 of the extract for the RD cell line was 154.44 μg/mL. The extract demonstrated a possible antiproliferative effect against the RD cell[34]
MTT assay70% ethanolLeavesOn MCF7 cells, extracts had a cytotoxic impact. In MCF7 cells, 1 mg/mL dramatically boosted the expression of the Bax and Bcl-2 genes[139]
MTTAqueousLeaves (silver nanoparticles)Polysaccharides had an IC50 value of 1.5 mg/mL, but the IC50 value for polysaccharide-coated AgNPs was 0.705 mg/mL[140]
MTTEthanol, ethanol-aqueous, aqueousLeavesAfter forty-eight hours of administration, the ethanolic fraction had the lowest IC50 value of 0.02 mg/mL and triggered cell cycle arrest at the G1/S phase as well as apoptosis[141]
In vivoMethanolicLeavesExtract treatment of DENA-induced hepatocarcinoma alleviated all except cholangioma-induced abnormalities. Finally, ZSCL (300 mg/kg BM) showed a significant therapeutic effect against DENA-induced hepatocellular cancer by focusing on oxidative stress and oncogenes[142]
MTT assayHexaneLeavesAccording to the findings of this study, the leaf extract contains chemicals with anticancer action, making it a promising target for further research to identify new anticancer drugs[143]

15ToxicityIn vivoAqueousStem barkFor the liver enzymes ALT, AST, ALK, serum protein, and albumin, biochemical examination revealed no significant difference between the different concentrations treated at 200, 400, and 800 mg/kg correspondingly and the control group. Furthermore, there was no significant variation in serum electrolytes ()[95]
Prophage F116 inductionEthanolLeavesWhen compared with control, the employed concentrations at 5, 15, and 30 mg/mL did not reveal an increase in prophage induction. The mutagenic index revealed that the spontaneous release of phage from the lysogenic strains resulted in no increase in pfu/mL. As a result, the plant extracts evaluated have no genotoxic potential[64]
In vivoEthanolRoot, barkIn both the short- and long-term studies, all rats survived at a limit dose of 3000 mg/kg. There was no mortality, although the rats in all groups showed evidence of sleepiness for about 1 to 2 hours[46]
In vivoAqueous-methanolSeedsLymphocytes, platelets, direct and total bilirubin, albumin, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, aspartate aminotransferase, serum Ca2+, creatinine, urea, and organ-body weight ratios were all significantly elevated at by the extract. At 600 and 1000 mg/kg BW, the extract induced hepatic vascular congestion and fibrosis but had no effect on the kidney’s histoarchitecture. There are hepatotoxic and nephrotoxic properties in the extract, thusly folklore medicine calls for caution when using this herb[144]
MTT assayEthanolStem barkIn HCT-116 and MCH-7 cell lines at a concentration of 50–400 g, the control cells had a high rate of proliferation, which was taken as 100%[66]
1-BJ1 normal cellsCallus extractZinc and selenium oxide nanoparticlesLow toxicity was recorded. The particles show potential antibacterial and antioxidant actions and will be used to combat resistant microorganisms[24]
Fl-cellsEthanolShowed no toxicity[78]
In vivoHydroalcoholicLeavesNo serious side effect was observed[125]
In vivoLeavesNo changes in liver or kidney function were found after the juice was given to the animals. It was found that a dose of BHT (200 parts per million) significantly increased the enzyme activity and serum levels of all three products.[40]
In vivoMethanolicSeedsPhagocytic index values were the lowest in snails exposed to LC50 of the extracts. Results demonstrated no mortality in Daphnia magna individuals during the first 12 h of the trial[145]
In vivoAqueousLeaf (AgNPs)When compared with MeHg intoxication, AgNPs/MeHg caused a far larger increase in lipid peroxides as a marker of oxidative stress, and of course, compared with healthy control animals[77]
In vivoEthanolLeavesThe animal model received daily oral dosages of 50 to 200 mg/kg for 28 days. Biochemical tests comparing the extract’s toxicity to that of a control group revealed no differences. However, oral administration of the extract at dosages of 100 and 200 mg/kg resulted in minor histologically detrimental effects on liver and kidney tissues[112]
In vivoAqueousFruitsAll biochemical indicators and histological images of the liver, kidney, and testis improved significantly in animals treated with the extract alone or in combination with AF. The extract may have a powerful function in protecting against aflatoxicosis[146]
In vivoEthanolLeaves14-day course of oral 400 mg/kg extract dose. Lactate dehydrogenase and total bilirubin levels in rats’ blood were substantially elevated () after oral administration of the extract, but no other liver enzymes were affected. Increased insulin levels, reduced triglyceride levels, and no significant changes in the other lipid profile components were seen when therapy was administered[147]
In vivoAqueousPulpThere was no significant difference between the treatment group and the control group in terms of liver enzymes such as ALT, AST, ALK, serum protein, and serum albumin, according to the results of the biochemical study[107]
Aqueous, ethanolLeavesBoth kinds of extracts in concentrations of 500 mg/mL showed no cytotoxicity towards red blood cells[94]
AqueousLeavesExtract did not exhibit any morphological alterations from the control at MNTD values of 250, 350, and 300 μL/mL, respectively, in a cytotoxicity experiment[118]
In vivoLeafIn addition, after HgCl2 poisoning, a shift in apoptotic proteins in favor of proapoptotic proteins was identified. However, combining the extract with HgCl2 considerably reduced the molecular, biochemical, and histological changes caused by HgCl2 intoxication. Our results imply that the extract might be utilized to reduce the effects of HgCl2 exposure on reproduction[148]
In vivoEthanolLeavesThe leaf extract has no harmful impact on the liver when administered at dosages below 1500 mg/kg BW. In conclusion, the hazardous dosage of leaf extract in white Wistar rats is over 4000 mg/kg BW[149]

Note. MIC: minimum inhibitory concentration, MBC: minimum bacterial concentration, DPPH: 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl, FRAP: ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay.