Phytochemistry, Pharmacology, Toxicity and Structure-Activity of Nerium oleander L.: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Nerium oleander L. is part of the Apocynaceae family and Nerium genus. Primarily found in subtropical areas, this plant is indigenous to the Mediterranean coast. It is also widely cultivated in China. To date, more than 146 compounds have been obtained from the plant, chiefly including cardiac glycosides, triterpenoids, phytosterols and other chemical constituents, of which cardiac glycosides are the main type of compounds with good pharmacological activity. Pharmacological studies have shown that N. oleander has anti-tumor, anti-diabetic, cardiotonic, hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, and other activities. This article provides important insights for future research, development, and use of this plant by summarizing the chemical contents, pharmacological properties, toxicity, and structure-activity connections of N. oleander over the previous 50 years.