Bioactive Phytochemicals of <i>Acacia saligna</i>

Abstract

Acacia saligna is native to Western Australia. It has become an introduced and fast-growing plant in other parts of the world due to its ability to adapt to drought, saline and alkaline soils, and hast growing environments. Studies on the bioactivities and phytochemicals of the plant extracts were conducted. However, comprehensive information that links those bioactivities to the identified compounds in the plant’s extracts is still lacking. Data gathered in this review revealed a rich chemical diversity of hydroxybenzoic acids, cinnamic acids, flavonoids, saponins, and pinitols in A. saligna growing in Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Tunisia, South Africa, and Australia. The variability in phytochemical composition and quantity could be attributed to plant parts, growing locations, extraction solvents, and analysis methods. Identified phytochemicals support observed biological activities such as antioxidant, antimicrobial, anticancer, α-glucosidase inhibition, and anti-inflammation in the extracts. The knowledge of chemical structures, biological activities, and possible mechanisms of action of the bioactive phytochemicals identified in A. saligna were discussed. In addition, the structure–activity relationships of dominant active compounds were examined to explain the bioactivities exerted by A. saligna extracts. The review provides valuable insights towards future research and the development of new therapeutics from this plant.

Keywords

• <i>Acacia saligna</i>
• hydroxybenzoic acids
• cinnamic acids
• flavonoids
• antioxidant
• antimicrobial