A Comprehensive Review on the Phytochemical Constituents, Traditional Uses, Pharmacological Activities, and Safety of Mangifera indica leaves

Abstract

Mangifera indica L. (mango) belongs to the family Anacardiaceae and is widely cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions. Although the fruit is the economically important part, the leaves have been traditionally used for various medicinal purposes. Mango leaves contain diverse bioactive phytoconstituents, including mangiferin, flavonoids, phenolic compounds, tannins, terpenoids, benzophenones, sterols, saponins and alkaloids. The present review summarizes the available literature on the botanical characteristics, traditional uses, phytochemical constituents, preliminary phytochemical screening, pharmacological activities and safety aspects of M. indica leaves. Published studies reporting biological and pharmacological effects of mango leaf extracts and their major constituents were considered. The reviewed literature indicates that M. indica leaves possess several pharmacological activities, including antibacterial, antioxidant, antidiabetic, antipyretic, hepatoprotective, anticancer, analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects. Mangiferin and other phenolic and flavonoid constituents are considered important contributors to these biological activities. Experimental studies have reported significant analgesic and hypoglycaemic effects, while hepatoprotective and anticancer activities have also been investigated. Available toxicity studies suggest no marked abnormalities following acute administration and prolonged treatment at the studied doses, although some biochemical changes were observed at certain doses. Overall, M. indica leaves represent a promising natural source of bioactive compounds with potential therapeutic applications. Further studies are required to establish their mechanisms of action, standardize extracts, and confirm their efficacy and long-term safety.