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J Herbmed Pharmacol. 2025;14(3): 302-314.
doi: 10.34172/jhp.2025.53116
  Abstract View: 159
  PDF Download: 121

Review

Exploring the cytotoxic potential of genus Tecoma: An in-depth review

Ahmed Mohammed Sekkien 1 ORCID logo, Noha Fouad Swilam 1* ORCID logo, Dalia Adel Al-Mahdy 2,3 ORCID logo, Mohamed Mohey Elmazar 4 ORCID logo, Meselhy Ragab Meselhy 2* ORCID logo

1 Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, The British University in Egypt (BUE), Cairo 11837, Egypt
2 Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Kasr El Aini St., Cairo 11562, Egypt
3 Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Modern University for Technology and Information, Cairo, Egypt
4 Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, The British University in Egypt (BUE), Cairo, 11837, Egypt
*Corresponding Authors: Noha Fouad Swilam, Email: noha.swilam@bue.edu.eg; Meselhy Ragab Meselhy, Email: meselhy.meselhy@pharma.cu.edu.eg

Abstract

Introduction: Species in the genus Tecoma are traditionally valued for a wide range of medicinal properties, including antidiabetic, antispasmodic, diuretic, and vermifuge effects, and are also used to treat stomach ulcers. Over the past two decades, there has been growing interest in exploring the cytotoxic and anticancer properties of different Tecoma species and their potential applications in cancer treatment. The aim of this review is to assess the reported cytotoxic activity of different Tecoma species, identify their bioactive metabolites, and elucidate the underlying mechanisms contributing to their cytotoxic potential.

Methods: The current review utilized online databases and studies published until May 2025. It documented and summarized the recently reported cytotoxic activity of Tecoma species and the key bioactive compounds isolated from them against 12 cancer types through in vitro, in vivo, and in silico studies.

Results: The review revealed that the majority of the studies predominantly focused on evaluating the cytotoxic potential of Tecoma species against breast, lung, and liver cancers. Among these, T. stans has emerged as the most promising candidate, likely due to the presence of bioactive compounds such as rutin, acteoside, paulownin, and paulownin acetate.

Conclusion: This review highlights T. stans as the most extensively investigated and cytotoxically examined species within the genus. The review also identifies key gaps in the current research on Tecoma species and their cytotoxic properties. It also provides valuable recommendations for future mechanistic and in vivo studies to enhance the understanding and therapeutic potential of Tecoma species in cancer treatment.



Implication for health policy/practice/research/medical education:

The findings of this review underscore the growing importance of Tecoma species in oncology research. The compiled cytotoxic and mechanistic data offer a rationale for prioritizing Tecoma-derived compounds in anticancer drug development. This review also highlights key research gaps particularly in vivo and mechanistic validation that are essential for translational progress. Additionally, it supports the integration of evidence-based phytotherapy into medical education to raise awareness of plant-based anticancer agents.

Please cite this paper as: Sekkien AM, Swilam NF, Al-Mahdy DA, Elmazar MM, Meselhy MR. Exploring the cytotoxic potential of genus Tecoma: An in-depth review. J Herbmed Pharmacol. 2025;14(3):302-314. doi: 10.34172/jhp.2025.53116.

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Submitted: 26 Apr 2025
Revision: 08 Jun 2025
Accepted: 09 Jun 2025
ePublished: 01 Jul 2025
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