Eric Wei Chiang Chan
1* 
, Siu Kuin Wong
2 , Hung Tuck Chan
3 1 Faculty of Applied Sciences, UCSI University, 56000 Cheras, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
2 School of Foundation Studies, Xiamen University Malaysia, Bandar Sunsuria, 43900 Sepang, Selangor, Malaysia
3 Secretariat of International Society for Mangrove Ecosystems (ISME), Faculty of Agriculture, University of the Ryukyus, Okinawa 903-0129, Japan
Abstract
This overview on Volkameria inermis (Lamiaceae) is the first in updating information on the chemical constituents and pharmacological properties of the species, notably on its unique ability in ameliorating motor tics. The information was procured from Google, Google Scholar, PubMed, PubMed Central, Science Direct, J-Stage, and PubChem. Previously named Clerodendrum inerme (Verbenaceae), V. inermis is a scrambling or scandent coastal shrub in the tropics and sub-tropics. From different parts of the plant, compounds such as flavonoids, diterpenes/diterpenoids, sterols, triterpenes/triterpenoids, iridoid glycosides, phenolic glycosides, phenylethanoid glycosides (PEGs), phenylpropanoid glycosides (PPGs), chalcones, and sesquiterpenes have been reported. Major pharmacological properties of V. inermis include anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, hepatoprotective, analgesic, and antibacterial activities. Other properties include anti-tyrosinase, antifungal, neuroprotective, hypotensive, hypoglycemic, amyloid-β aggregation, wound healing, antipyretic, and larvicidal activities. A unique pharmacological property of V. inermis leaf extract, discovered by scientists from Taiwan, is the amelioration of motor tic disorders, a spectrum of Tourette syndrome. This property included a case report, three in vivo studies, and one patent. Areas of further research of V. inermis are suggested.
Implication for health policy/practice/research/medical education:
The prospects of further research on the phytochemistry and pharmacological properties of V. inermis are rewarding. New compounds are still being reported. Among the pharmacological properties of V. inermis, the amelioration of motor tic disorders warrants further research, notably on the compounds and mechanisms involved. Comparisons with other Volkameria species would be interesting.
Please cite this paper as: Chan EWC, Wong SK, Chan HT. Volkameria inermis: An overview of its chemical constituents and pharmacological properties, notably the amelioration of motor tics. J Herbmed Pharmacol. 2023;12(2):176-186. doi: 10.34172/ jhp.2023.18.