Potential ethnobotanical relevance of Lycianthes sanctaeclarae (Greenm.) D`Arcy (Solanaceae): A review

Abstract

Introduction: The Solanaceae family is one of the most important families of angiosperms from an economic point of view. With nearly 100 genera and 3,000 species, it includes important food, condiment, and medicinal plants. One of the three most varied and extensive genera of Solanaceae is Lycianthes. Lycianthes sanctaeclarae (Greenm.) D’Arcy, is a species native to Costa Rica, Nicaragua, and Panama. which is found in the rainforest at an altitude of 0 to 600 meters above sea level.  Objective: The purpose of this research is to obtain information about the species Lychianthes sanctaeclarae for the determination of the ethnobotanical potential of said species, through a bibliographic database review.  Method: A bibliographic review and an analysis of the possible ethnobotanical applications, biological activities, and chemical constitution of the Solanaceae family, specifically Lycianthes sanctaeclarae, were conducted.  Results: Solanaceae has floristic, ethnobotanical, ornamental, ritual, economic, and medical importance. They include a wide variety of phytochemicals, among which alkaloids stand out, with interesting biological properties, with anticholinergic activity being the most investigated.  Conclusions: The lack of information that exists on the species Lycianthes sanctaeclarae was determined. Even so, due to its relationship with the Solanaceae family, it is possible to consider that this species could be a striking option for the development of new drugs; However, it is necessary in the future to identify, isolate, purify, and characterize the bioactive compounds that this species has by constructing its phytochemical profile.