A PHARMACOLOGICAL REVIEW OF RANUNCULUS SCELERATUS L.: PHYTOCHEMISTRY, PHARMACOLOGICAL ACTIVITIES

Ranunculus sceleratus L. belongs to the family Ranunculaceae and is an annual herb widely distributed in moist habitats, including ditches, slow-moving streams and shallow ponds. The plant has a long history of use in traditional medicine, particularly in Asian traditional medical systems, where it has been employed for inflammatory disorders, skin conditions, rheumatic complaints, jaundice and other ailments. However, the fresh plant is toxic and contains irritant constituents associated with the ranunculin protoanemonin anemonin chemical system. Modern pharmacological investigations have provided evidence supporting several biological activities of R. sceleratus, including anti-inflammatory, hypotensive, antimicrobial, antifungal and hepatobiliary effects. Phytochemical investigations have identified flavonoids, phenolic acids, coumarisns, lignans, nitrogen-containing compounds, anthraquinones, sterols and lactone derivatives. A UHPLC-Q-Orbitrap HRMS investigation characterized 69 compounds in an 80% methanolic extract, substantially expanding the known chemical profile of the species. Experimental studies have demonstrated modulation of inflammatory mediators, inhibition of eicosanoid production, reduction of blood pressure and improvement of experimentally induced intrahepatic cholestasis. More recent phytochemical work has isolated previously undescribed benzopyran derivatives with inhibitory effects on nitric oxide and pro-inflammatory cytokines in macrophage cells. Despite these promising findings, most evidence remains preclinical, and standardized preparations, pharmacokinetic studies, dose-response investigations and clinical trials are lacking. Furthermore, the toxicity of the fresh plant, particularly because of protoanemonin, requires careful consideration. This review summarizes the botanical background, traditional uses, phytochemical constituents, pharmacological activities, mechanisms, toxicological considerations and research gaps associated with R. sceleratus and evaluates its potential as a source of pharmacologically active natural products.