A Review on the Cytotoxic and Antimicrobial Properties of Xanthones from Cratoxylum cochinchinense

Abstract

Cratoxylum cochinchinense is a perennial plant found in Southeast Asia, having diverse terminologies in various Southeast Asian countries. It has been traditionally used as medicine, tea and food spice until today. Its phytochemical analysis reveals a rich array of bioactive compounds in different parts of the plant, specifically xan-thones, which are scientifically determined to be the most abundant secondary me-tabolites in C. cochinchinense. Xanthones do possess numerous beneficial properties and are actively researched to unlock its vast potential. It could be synthesized both biologically and synthetically, where the latter method is gaining much interest among researchers to improve its biological properties. Due to limited compiled resources on the biological benefits of xanthones from C. cochinchinense, this paper aims to review their cytotoxic properties specifically towards cancer cells, as well as their antimalarial and antibacterial effects in order to further support the medicinal use of this plant.