Unveiling the Phytochemical and Therapeutic Landscape of Euphorbia Resinifera: Prospects for Drug Discovery

Abstract

Euphorbia resinifera, a member of the Euphorbiaceae family, is notable for its significant medicinal properties. Originally endemic to Morocco, this species has become cosmopolitan, spreading widely across tropical regions worldwide. This review focuses on the phytochemical properties of Euphorbia resinifera, providing a comprehensive overview of its diverse phytochemicals and their potential therapeutic applications. The review also highlights the potential for further exploration of phytochemicals in less-studied parts of the plant, such as the flowers. Our primary sources were peer-reviewed research articlesand reports from scientific databases including Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, and SpringerLink identifying numerous novel compounds, particularly from the latex of Euphorbia resinifera. Various studies have investigated latex, while fewer studies have examined the whole plant, stem, leaves, flowers, and honey. This review underscores the need for detailed studies on the unexplored parts of Euphorbia resinifera and suggests that the identified phytochemicals, traditionally used in ethnomedicine, could be further investigated for drug development. Such research could lead to the discovery of new treatments for diseases that pose significant challenges to human health.