Rubus ulmifolius schott: A comprehensive review of its botany, traditional uses, phytochemistry and pharmacological effects

Abstract

Rubus ulmifolius Schott commonly known as wild blackberry, is a perennial shrub native to North Africa and Europe. It has been used for both medicinal and food purposes. Different parts of the plant have been used in herbal medicine for a long time to treat numerous diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, gastro-intestinal disorders, mouth ulcers, heart ailments, menstrual pain, hemorrhoids, tonsillitis, skin diseases, etc. Its fruits are consumed fresh or in jams, juices, and marmalades. The shoots are used in omelets and soups. The present review aims to summarize data on ethnomedicinal uses, phytochemistry, pharmacological effects, botanical description, geographical distribution, and toxicity studies of Rubus ulmifolius over a period covering the last 23 years using online scientific databases such as Science direct, Google Scholar, Scopus, PubMed and Springer. Various studies have shown that Rubus ulmifolius possesses different biological activities in vitro and in vivo, including antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, anthelmintic, anticoagulant, antiproliferative, antioxidant, wound healing, amoebicidal, antifungal, antiviral, antibacterial, antihyperglycemic, and antihyperlipidemic properties. Phytochemical studies of Rubus ulmifolius have revealed the presence of various constituents belonging to different classes, such as flavonoids, tannins, terpenoids, and phenolic acids. We hope that our review will serve as an important source of information that can trigger further scientific research on this species.