A REVIEW OF THE PHYTOCHEMICAL AND PHARMACOLOGICAL PROFILE OF CORDIA OBLIQUA: FROM TRADITIONAL REMEDY TO A SOURCE OF MODERN THERAPEUTICS

Abstract

Cordia obliqua Willd. (Boraginaceae), known as Clammy Cherry, is a staple in Ayurvedic and Unani medicine, used to treat inflammation, infections, and liver disorders. This review synthesizes and critically appraises the existing scientific literature on its phytochemistry and pharmacology. While numerous studies identify bioactive compounds—primarily fatty acids, terpenoids, and sterols via GC-MS—and demonstrate pharmacological activities like anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant effects, the field is hampered by non-standardized methodologies and a lack of critical depth. A major limitation is the over-reliance on GC-MS, which overlooks many polar, thermolabile bioactive compounds. This review critically evaluates the quality of evidence, highlighting that reported activities are often based on crude extracts without dose-response comparisons to standard drugs. Furthermore, proposed mechanisms of action are frequently generic rather than being specifically demonstrated for C. obliqua. The conclusion underscores the stark disparity between robust traditional use and the absence of clinical validation. We recommend a paradigm shift towards standardized extraction, comprehensive phytochemical profiling using LC-MS, isolation of novel compounds, detailed toxicological studies, and well-designed clinical trials to translate this promising traditional remedy into evidence-based medicine.