Advances in the Genus Pyracantha: From Traditional Healing to Modern Therapeutics

INTRODUCTION

Pyracantha is a type of genus shrubs that belong to the Rosaceae family, Amygdaloideae subfamily and Rosales order. The total number of the species present in this genus ranges between 7-10 species, and these plants are also known as firethorn plants. The Pyracantha is a term derived from two Greek words ‘pyr’ which means fire and ‘acantha’ which means thorn indicating the plant’s sharp thorns and bright, fiery fruits.^1,2,3

Plants of the Pyracantha genus are evergreen or semi-evergreen and are widely distributed in Asia, Europe, and the Himalayan regions. In India, species such as Pyracantha are found in the temperate Himalayan belt, growing naturally in forests, hillsides, and along roadsides.^4,5

Morphologically, Pyracantha plants are dense, bushy shrubs with hard woody stems and strong thorns. The leaves are small to medium-sized, oval or lance-shaped, and dark green with a glossy surface. During the spring season, the plants produce numerous small white flowers arranged in clusters. These flowers later develop into berry-like fruits that turn red, orange, or yellow in autumn and winter. The fruits of Pyracantha are rich in natural pigments and remain attached to the plant for long periods, making them important for ecological balance as they serve as food for birds and small animals. Although the fruits are not commonly consumed by humans in raw form, they are used in some regions in the processed form such as jam and jelly.¹

Pyracantha has a long history of use in traditional and folk medicine where fruits, leaf and bark have found various applications. In Himalayan and Chinese traditional practices, Pyracantha species are used to manage conditions like digestive disorders, inflammation, infections, and wound healing. It is also used as diuretic and tonic properties. The plants are also believed to strengthen the heart and improve blood circulation.^2,6,7

The genus Pyracantha is rich in various phytochemical constituents that contribute to its medicinal and therapeutic properties. Different species of Pyracantha have been reported many numbers of secondary metabolites i.e. flavonoids (quercetin, kaempferol, rutin), polyphenols (chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, ferulic acid, gallic acid), triterpenoids (ursolic acid, oleanolic acid, pyracrenic acid), and these components represents broad range of biological activities, such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anticancer and antidiabetic activities.^8,9,10,11

Some Species of genus Pyracantha

The various species of Pyracantha genus has been shown in Table 1.

Pyracantha coccinea M. Roem

• Synonyms: Cotoneaster Pyracantha (L.) Spach, Crataegus Pyracantha Pers., Mespilus Pyracantha (L.) All.¹
• Common names: Scarlet firethorn, firethorn, Red firethorn.¹

Geographical Distribution

Pyracantha coccinea indigenous to certain areas of southern and central Italy. It is also found across the Anatolian parts of Turkey, as well as in northern Iran, Crimea, Southern Europe and the Caucasus. Since the 16^th century, this evergreen shrub has also been widely cultivated in Northern Italy as an ornamental species for gardens.^1,3

Botanical Description

This plant is a thorny shrub that can grow up to about 5 meters tall. Its twigs are thin and soft, with fine hairs when young, but they become smooth and reddish-brown as they mature. The leaves are long and narrow, ranging from oblong to lance shaped and are about 25-30 mm in length. Their edges have small, saw-like teeth. The flowers are creamy white and appear in small, closely packed clusters.^1,2

Traditional Uses

Pyracantha coccinea has been traditionally used in Europe for medicinal purposes, particularly as a heart soother. The leaves have historically been used in Turkey for treating diarrhea and urinary diseases. The fruit is eaten for medicinal purposes and are used for the treatment of dysentery and various stomach complaints. Plant extracts have also demonstrated promise in traditional medicine practices for conditions such as hypertension and diabetes. It is used in regulation of the menstrual cycle and relief from constipation.^2,12

Reported phytoconstituents

The reported phytoconstituents present in Pyracantha coccinea M. Roem. had been shown in Table 2 and some chemical structures presented in Figure 1.

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Reported pharmacological activities

The reported pharmacological activities of Pyracantha coccinea M.Roem. such as antioxidant, antibacterial, analgesic, cytotoxic activity, antimutagenic are shown in Figure 2 and Table 3.

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Antioxidant Activity

The anti-oxidant ability of the fruit extracts from Pyracantha coccinea was determined by using DPPH free radical scavenging method by comparing the efficacy of ethanol and methanol isolates at various concentrations that is 0.25, 0.5, 1, and 2 mg/ mL, where ascorbic acid served as the control. The findings revealed in which DPPH scavenging activity was increasing with an increase in the concentration of the extract. At 0.25 mg/ mL concentration, the ethanol extract confirmed 40.65±2.41% inhibition, while the methanol extract exhibited 29.38±0.97%, while the ascorbic acid inhibited DPPH by 82.25±1.13%. At a concentration of 0.5 mg/mL, the ethanol and methanol extracts had 58.99±0.86% and 46.35±1.68% inhibition, respectively, and ascorbic acid demonstrated 90.93±1.38% inhibition. At 1 mg/mL, the scavenging activity rose to 74.29±1.96% and 55.51±2.80% for the ethanol and methanol extracts, respectively, compared to 94.43±0.47% for the standard. At 2 mg/mL, scavenging effect was 80.61±1.04% of the ethanol extract and 65.29±1.65% in the methanol extract, while ascorbic acid had a scavenging effect of 96.48±0.46%. Thus, the ethanol extract exhibited comparatively better DPPH scavenging effect than the methanol extract, but it was less effective than the standard antioxidant ascorbic acid.²³

Antimicrobial activity

The Minimum inhibition concentration of the fruit aqueous extract and FeNPs of fruit extract on Gram-negative (Y. pseudotuberculosis ATCC 911, E. coli ATCC 25922, P. vulgaris ATCC 13315, and P. aeruginosa ATCC 43288) and Gram-positive (S. pyogenes ATSC 19615, S. aureus ATCD 25923, and B. subtilis ATCB 6633) bacteria were determined by the fluid micro-dilution procedure. Different concentrations of the fruit extracts were varied between 90 to 0.17 mg/mL, and the nanoparticles were evaluated in a range of 60 to 0.05 mg/mL. Fruit extract showed activity against all tested bacteria, where MIC values of 1.25-40 mg/mL, being most effective against Yersinia pseudotuberculosis (MIC 1.25 mg/mL). Biosynthesis of FeNPs resulted in much better antimicrobial activities of fruit extract, with MIC of 0.75 mg/mL for most bacteria and 0.375 mg/mL for Pseudomonas aeruginosa. In comparison with the crude extract, FeNPs were 53-fold higher activity opposed to P. aeruginosa, S. aureus, and P. vulgaris, 27-fold higher activity against S. pyogenes, and 13-fold higher effect opposed to E. coli.²⁴

Antiproliferative activity

Antiproliferative activity of methanol and ethanolic fruit extract of Pyracantha coccinea fruits was studied using A549 cells by (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazole-2-yl)-2,5-Diphenyltetrazolium Bromide assay (MTT). Various concentrations of 25, 50, 100, and 200 µg/mL of both extracts were used for study. The findings revealed that both the methanol and ethanol extract have dose-dependent antiproliferative activity, as cell proliferation decreased with an increase in the concentrations of the extracts. Between the two extracts, the ethanol extract has high antiproliferative activity than the methanol extract at all the concentrations used.¹⁵

Larvicidal Activity

Methanolic fruit extract of Pyracantha coccinea against second instar Culex larvae has been investigated. Five concentrations of the fruit extract (62.5, 125, 250, 500, and 1000 ppm) have been tested, and their larvicidal activity has been determined at 24, 48, 72, and 96 hr of exposure period. The extract exhibited both dose and time-dependent influence on the larvae mortality. The values of LC₅₀ and LC₉₀ were 32110.12 ppm and 808,652.32 ppm, correspondingly. From these results, it could be concluded that the methanolic fruit extract of Pyracantha coccinea is characterized by the larvicidal activity on Culex larvae.²⁵

Cytotoxic Activity

The cytotoxicity potential of Silver Nanoparticles (AgNPs) and Zinc Nanoparticles (ZnNPs) prepared through the extract of the fruit was evaluated by MTT assay using C6, HT29, MCF7, and L929 cell lines from American Type Culture Collection (ATCC). Different concentrations of the nanoparticles, including 0, 6, 12, 25, 50, and 100 μM, were applied to the cells, and the absorbance at 540 nm was measured to determine cell viability. The positive control for the test was represented by cisplatin. The IC₅₀ value for the MCF7 cell line was 65.88±7.07 μM, while that for cisplatin was 26.34±3.72 μM, which is much lower, demonstrating that cisplatin is more potent against MCF7 cells. Conversely, when HT29 cells were tested, it became clear that the nanoparticles have much stronger antiproliferative properties than cisplatin. Thus, the IC₅₀ value of cisplatin in relation to HT29 cells was 49.07±6.30 μM, while those of AgNPs and ZnO NPs were 8.87±0.63 μM and 19.31±2.01 μM, respectively.²⁶

Analgesic activity

Ethanol, chloroform, ethyl acetate and n-hexane extract of leaves were used for the determination of analgesic effect using formalin-induced pain test. The ethanol extract of leaves was administered orally at the doses of 100 and 300 mg/kg. The chloroform, ethyl acetate and n-hexane extract were tested at doses of 30 and 100 mg/kg. Diclofenac was used as a standard drug with dose 25 mg/kg. The ethanol extract significantly reduces pain score, while the chloroform and ethyl acetate extracts produced the strongest effect and n-hexane extract shows weaker analgesic effect.²⁷

Antiinflammatory Activity

Anti-inflammatory potential of successively extracted chloroform, ethyl acetate, n-hexane and ethanol leaf extracts was done through carrageenan-induced paw edema experiment on rats. The ethanolic extract of leaves was given in 100 and 300 mg/kg doses. Chloroform, ethyl acetate and chloroform extract was given in 30 and 100 mg/kg doses. Diclofenac is used as standard drug in 25 mg/kg dose. The control rats showed about 0.45cm³ paw edema after 3 hr. Reduction in paw edema by ethanolic extract was 0.30cm³ and 0.25 cm³ at 100 and 300 mg/kg. Chloroform and ethyl acetate extracts showed significant reduction in edema (p<0.001) while no significant result came from n-hexane fraction.²⁷

Pyracantha angustifolia

• Synonyms: Cotoneaster angustifolius.¹
• Common names: Narrow leaf firethorn, slender firethorn, Woolly firethorn.¹

Geographical Distribution

It is a woody shrub belonging to the Rosaceae family and originates from China. It commonly grows in grasslands, shrub-covered areas, and mountainous habitats, and is commonly found along roadsides at heights of 1600-3000 m.^2,32

Botanical Description

The plant can grow to a height of 4 m and has thorny branches. The leaves are long and narrow, measuring around 15 to 50 mm in length and 4 to 8 mm in width. The flowers are white, about 8 mm across, and grow together in small clusters that are 2-4 cm wide. The fruits are small berries, orange to red in colour, about 5-8 mm in size.^1,33

Traditional uses

Pyracantha angustifolia is traditionally used to treat earache, menstrual problems and constipation. Its ethnomedical uses highlight its importance in local healing traditions, pointing to its potential therapeutic effects beyond its pharmacological characteristics. In addition the plant has also been useful in traditional medicine for treatment of various stomach diseases, to get better digestion, to enhance blood flow and to cure ailments including diarrhea, dysentery and hemostasis, suggesting ethnomedical importance of the plant in contributing to overall health.^2,34

Reported phytoconstituents

The reported phytoconstituents present in Pyracantha angustifolia including phenolic compounds, flavanoids, vitamins, etc. are shown in Table 4 and chemical structures are shown in Figure 3.

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Reported pharmacological activities

The reported pharmacological activities of Pyracantha angustifolia are antimelanogenesis, antibacterial, anticancer, antigastric ulcer, etc are shown in Figure 4 and Table 5.

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Antimelanogenesis activity

The inhibition of melanogenesis from Pyracantha angustifolia was determined through the use of B16F10 murine melanoma cell line. Extracts of leaves, branches, and fruit obtained from ethanol were tested at 100 and 250 µg/mL concentration. The positive control Arbutin (500 µg/mL) was employed. Treatment of cells with leaf extract at 100 µg/mL caused an approximate 32.4% reduction in melanin content without any cytotoxic effects. HG and CH were identified as major bioactive components. These compounds inhibited melanogenesis through the reduction of tyrosinase activity, down regulation of TYRP-1 and TYRP-2, and intracellular ROS.³⁴

Antioxidant Activity

The anti-oxidant activity was determined via DPPH method using ethanol extract of leaves, twigs and fruits of Pyracantha angustifolia. Various concentrations of extract, i.e., 100 and 250 µg/mL, were tested and compared to the standard ascorbic acid. It was found that ethanol extract possessed the highest antioxidant activity.³⁴

Antibacterial activity

The antibacterial activity of biosynthesized Silver Nanoparticles (AgNPs) from Pyracantha angustifolia was determined through the agar disc diffusion test against 10 bacteria pathogens. The MIC of AgNPs was determined by testing AgNP solution in DMF at 10, 20, 40, and 80 mg/mL. The synthesized AgNPs had the potential to display broad-spectrum antibacterial activity, which was observed from the inhibition zone of 10.0±1.15 mm to 23.3±0.66 mm. The highest antibacterial activity was demonstrated by AgNPs towards Clavibacter michiganensis (23.3±0.66 mm), Erwinia carotovora (22.3±0.57 mm) and Curtobacterium flaccumfaciens (21.0±0.57 mm).³⁶

Anticancer activity

The anticancer activity of Pyracantha angustifolia was used the fruit extract prepared with 70% ethanol. The efficiency of the preparation was tested on the human breast cancer (MDA-MB-231) and Human Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HepG2) cell lines while MCF10A human mammary epithelial cells served as a control. The cells were exposed to the concentrations of the extract 10, 40, 160, and 320 µg/mL for 2 4, 48, and 72 hr. Anticancer activity was determined with the help of the alamar Blue cell viability assay, while the flow cytometry was used to evaluate the cell cycle arrest. In addition, the caspase-3/7 and caspase-9 activity assays, qRT-PCR analysis of the apoptosis-related genes, and the Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) determination were applied in order to determine the mechanisms of the effects. The extract demonstrated significant concentration-dependent antiproliferative effect using an IC₅₀ value of 21.91±2.10 µg/mL for the human breast cancer cells and 28.41±4.53 µg/mL for the HepG2 cells, while its activity towards the normal MCF10A cells was minimal. Treatments, especially those at 40 and 320 µg/mL, produced arrest of cell cycle at G2/M phase, accompanied by increase in Sub-G1 population, activation of caspase-3/7 and caspase-9, up-regulation of pro-apoptotic genes like p53, Caspase-3, Caspase-7, PARP, and PUMA, as well as decrease in intracellular reactive oxygen species production via elevation of antioxidant enzymes production. These results indicate that Pyracantha angustifolia fruits have considerable selective anticancer activity.³⁷

Antigastric ulcer activity

The anti-gastric ulcer effect of Pyracantha angustifolia leaf extract was studied on Wistar rats (both males and females with age between 7-9 weeks and weight range between 180-200 g). The rats were treated using leaf extract with doses of 150, 300, and 600 mg/kg orally, whereas cimetidine was standard drug for anti-ulcer effect. The gastric pH was measured to study the gastroprotective effect. The results of the gastric pH in different groups of rats after the treatment with 150, 300, and 600 mg/ kg were 2.58±0.23, 3.12±0.49, and 3.89±0.49 respectively. The highest pH value belonged to the rats receiving cimetidine, and it was equal to 5.79±0.46.³⁸

Antiinflammatory activity

Pyracantha angustifolia fruit extracts' ability to reduce inflammatory reactions was investigated in LPS-induced RAW 264.7 cells. Ethanol (PE) and hot-water (PW) extracts were assessed for their effect on NO production at 0.0625, 0.125, 0.25, 0.5, and 1.0 mg/mL concentrations. Cytotoxicity of either extract was not observed at any of these concentrations. The ethanol extract significantly inhibited NO production in a dose-dependent manner, with significant decreases in TNF-α secretion and iNOS and TNF-α gene expressions, especially at 0.5 and 1.0 mg/mL. Hot water extract also displayed anti-inflammatory action, but its potency was less significant from ethanol extract.³⁹

Pyracantha fortuneana

• Synonyms: P. crenatoserrata.¹
• Common names: Broadleaf firethorn (Australia).⁴⁰
• Geographical Distribution: It is found in the area ranging from Eastern Asia to Southern Europe.⁴¹

Botanical Description

The plant having small bush which attains a length of 1-3 m. The leaves have broader apex, narrower basal end, with a shape between oval and elongated, measuring around 1.5 to 6 cm in length and 0.5 to 2 cm in width. The plant bears white flowers and produces small, bright red fruits.¹

Traditional Uses

The fruits are consumed for improving digestion, lowering body temperature, relieve thirst and improve blood circulation. Roots of P. fortuneana used in herbal medicine for arresting hemorrhage, reduce swelling and treat toothache. It is used in Chinese medicine to treat dyspepsia and dysentery. Its fruits are recommended for oral use and externally for sore relief. This has been accepted as source of food by the Ministry of National Health of China.^42,43

Reported phytoconstituents

The reported phytoconstituents identified from Pyracantha fortuneana include flavonoids, polyphenols, phtyosterols, lipids are shown in Table 6 and some chemical structures are shown in Figure 5.

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Reported pharmacological Activities

The reported pharmacological activities of Pyracantha fortuneana such as antioxidant, antimutagenic, anticancer, antithrombocytopenia, antiphotoaging, antihyperlipidemic are shown in Figure 6 and Table 7.

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Antioxidant activity

The anti-oxidant potential was measured using DPPH free radicals scavenger analysis. Fifty microlitres of the fruit extract from each of methanol, acetone, and ethanol (50%, 70%, and 90%) were used and the absorbance was measured at 517 nm. Among the various extracts tested, 50% acetone extract possessed the highest DPPH scavenging effect, having the least IC₅₀ value (0.61±0.08 mg/mL), followed by 70% acetone extract (0.69±0.02 mg/mL) and 50% ethanol extract (0.79±0.09 mg/mL). The poorest scavenging effect was found in 90% ethanol extract (IC₅₀=2.54±0.18 mg/mL).⁵³

Antidiabetic activity

Antidiabetic properties of polysaccharides obtained from Pyracantha fortuneana fruit using different drying procedures, which include natural, hot air, infrared, freeze, microwave vacuum, and Freeze Microwave Vacuum Drying (FMVD) were investigated in vitro using α-glucosidase inhibition and BSA-glucose non-enzymatic glycation models. Various concentrations of polysaccharides were tested for antidiabetic effect, in which 8 mg/mL was used for antiglycation experiments, whereas α-glucosidase inhibition was determined as IC₅₀. The polysaccharides obtained using FMVD showed the most significant dual antidiabetic activities, presenting the lowest IC₅₀ value of α-glucosidase inhibition (0.51 mg/mL), 62.27% inhibition of fructosamine formation at 8 mg/mL, and AGE inhibition IC₅₀ of 3.48 mg/mL. Moreover, FMVD showed the highest yield of polysaccharides (6.22%) and uronic acid contents (45.48%). Thus, it could be concluded that freeze microwave vacuum drying is very effective in improving the structure and antidiabetic activity of polysaccharides.⁵⁴

Anticancer activity

The anticancer activity of Selenium-Pyracantha Polysaccharide (Se-PFP) isolated from Pyracantha fortuneana on MDA-MB-231 triple negative breast cancer cells as well as BALB/c nude mouse xenograft model was investigated. The in vitro study involved treatment of the cancer cells with Se-PFPs at concentrations of 0, 50, 100, 200, and 400 μg/mL over 24 to 48 hr, while in vitro apoptosis and cell cycle analysis mainly used 100 and 400 μg/ mL. Furthermore, the in vivo study was done by administering tumor-bearing mice with 100 and 400 mg/kg/day dose for 30 days. Se-PFPs showed significant anti-cancer action in a dose-dependent manner as they caused decrease in cell viability to 40% and 25% of the controls at 200 and 400 μg/mL after 24 hr. In the mice, the treatments reduced tumor size from 1365.5 mm³ (controls) to 895.8 mm³ (100 mg/kg) and 284.5 mm³ (400 mg/ kg) and tumor weights from 3.6 g to 2.6g and 1.4 g respectively, without affecting the body weight, it demonstrates the potent anticancer activity with low toxicity.⁵⁵

Antiphotoaging activity

Polysaccharides from the fruit of Pyracantha fortuneana were characterized by structural analysis and studied for their anti-photoaging activity via oxidative stress, apoptosis, MAPK signaling pathway, and lifespan studies in HaCaT cells injured by UVB and C. elegans injured by UVB. The fruit polysaccharides effectively decreased oxidative stress and apoptosis levels, increased mitochondrial membrane potential, inhibited MAPK phosphorylation, upregulated tight-junction proteins, and extended the lifespan of UVB-injured C. elegans.⁵⁶

Antihyperlipidemic activity

The antihyperlipidemic properties of flavonoid and saponin fractions obtained from Pyracantha fortuneana fruits have been investigated using a free fatty acid (300 μM)-induced L02 human hepatocyte cell line model and a 15 mM glucose-induced Caenorhabditis elegans model. PFF and PFS were applied at 100, 200, and 400 μg/mL concentrations on L02 cells and 200, 400, and 800 μg/mL in C. elegans. For the assessment of lipid deposition, an Oil Red O staining test was performed, whereas TG, TC, and LDL were measured to assess the lipid metabolism. It was found that both PFF and PFS decreased intracellular lipid deposition and reduced TG, TC, and LDL levels dose dependently compared with the untreated hyperlipidemic models. In addition, it was found that the treatments increased lipid metabolism-related genes expression, such as SIRT1 and CPT-1, which means that the fatty acid β-oxidation and lipid metabolism were improved. These results indicate the presence of significant antihyperlipidemic properties in flavonoid and saponin fractions obtained from P. fortuneana fruits.⁵⁷

Antimutagenic activity

The effectiveness of Selenium-Rich Polysaccharides of Pyracantha fortuneana (Se-PFPs) in terms of their ability to exhibit antimutagenic effects was studied in mice. Treatment of animals with Se-PFPs in doses of 1.35, 2.7, and 5.4 g per kilogram of body weight. Administration of Se-PFPs resulted in the dose-dependent reduction of DNA damage induced by cyclophosphamide. Se-PFPs enhanced the action of enzymes (SOD and GPx) and suppressed CYP1A1/CYP1A2, responsible for activation of carcinogens.⁵⁸

Immunoprotective

The immunoprotective properties of PFPs were investigated in the model of Cyclophosphamide (CTX)-induced immunosuppressed mice. Mice were treated with PFPs orally administered dose of 100, 200 and 300mg/kg body weight/day, while the immunosuppression was induce by cyclophosphamide administration. The immunoprotective effect of PFPs was evaluated based on spleen and thymus indices, splenocyte proliferation, natural killer cells activity, CD4⁺ and CD8⁺ T-lymphocyte populations, CD4⁺/ CD8⁺ ratio, cytokine production (IL-2, IL-6, TNF-α), Nrf2 expression in splenocytes and antioxidant enzymes activities. PFPs caused a dose-dependent immunoprotective effect that was characterized by an increase in spleen and thymus indices, improvement of splenocyte proliferation and NK cells activity, improvement of CD4⁺/CD8⁺ T-lymphocyte ratio, stimulation of IL-2 production, and reduction of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6 and TNF-α). Moreover, PFPs upregulated the expression of Nrf2 and enhances potential of antioxidants, such as SOD and GPx. Thus, these findings have confirmed the immunoprotective and immunomodulating activity of PFPs.⁵⁹

Pyracantha koidzumii

• Synonyms: Cotoneaster koidzumii Hayata.
• Common Names: Taiwan firethorn, Formosa firethorn.

Geographical Distribution

It is mainly indigenous to Taiwan and Aastern Asia parts. It has been introduced into various countries such as Australia, the US and pacific islands due to its ornamental importance.¹⁴

Botanical Description

It is a thorny shrub usually 2-4 m tall. Leaves are small, glossy dark green, narrowly elliptic to oblong in shape. The plant produces numerous small white bisexual flowers blooming during late spring. Its fruits are small, round pomes that ripen to orange-red or scarlet-red and often remain on the plant throughout winter.¹⁴

Traditional Uses

It is used for stomach related problems and disgestive comfort. It is also used in cosmetics.²

Reported phtyoconstituents

The bioactive compounds like flavanoids, phenolic compounds, tannins present in the Pyracantha koidzumii are shown in Table 8 and Figure 7.

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Reported pharmacological activities

The reported activities on Pyracantha koidzumii including tyrosinase inhibition, antifungal, antibiolfilm activity are presented in Table 9.

Tyrosinase inhibition

Fresh fruits of Pyracantha koidzumii were treated with 95% ethanol extraction and isolation process was done to identify the active compounds. Human Epidermal Melanocytes (HEMn) were utilized to determine the skin whitening effect. Firstly, the cell proliferation was analyzed via WST-8 test at a concentration of 100 μM for 24 hr. Afterwards, non-cytotoxic compounds were evaluated in their ability to inhibit tyrosinase activity at 100 μM for 24 hr by using 2 mM L-DOPA as substrate and arbutin (2.5 mM) as positive control. The top two potent compounds were investigated further for their abilities to reduce the melanin levels, tyrosinase activity, protein and gene expression (MITF and PAX3) at concentrations of 60, 80, and 100 μM. Among 13 isolated compounds, compound 13 displayed the highest inhibitiory effects on tyrosinase activity and skin whitening activities. The compound inhibited the tyrosinase action and melanin production in human melanocytes. Compound 13 inhibited the expressions of tyrosinase, TRP-2, MITF, and PAX3 genes with increasing concentration.¹⁴

Antifungal Activity

Antifungal effect of Copper Nanoparticles (CuNPs) produced from Pyracantha koidzumii leaves against non-albicans Candida such as Candida krusei, Candida tropicalis, and Candida glabrata was studied. Fungal suspensions (0.5 McFarland) were prepared and subjected to antifungal testing with CuNPs at the concentration range from 0.24 to 500 µg/mL. Nystatin was used as positive control. The MIC, MFuC, and MFC of the CuNPs were determined by broth micro-dilution method. It is evident that the CuNPs exhibit good potential towards the tested antifungal C. strains. C. krusei and C. glabrata strains were found more susceptible having MIC of 0.48 µg/mL than C. tropicalis having MIC of 0.97 µg/mL. MFuC of Candida krusei, Candida tropicalis and Candida glabrata were 1.9 µg/mL, 31.2 µg/mL and 15.6 µg/ mL, respectively. For MFC, they were 3.8 µg/mL, 62.4 µg/mL and 31.2 µg/mL, respectively.⁶⁹

Antibiofilm Activity

The antibiofilm potential of CuNPs prepared using Pyracantha koidzumii extract was determined using the modified method. Sterile polystyrene 1 cm² pieces were inoculated into 24-well microtiter plates. In each well, 0.5 mL of standard fungal suspension (0.5 McFarland) and 0.5 mL of CuNPs solution were used. Negative control contained 0.5 mL of fungal suspension and 0.5 mL of RPMI-1640 medium. The microtiter plates were incubated for 24 hr at 37ºC . Following incubation, polystyrene sheet was carefully taken out from the wells and washed twice with PBS. Attached biofilms were then stained with 0.5% Crystal Violet (CV) for 20 min and later again rinsed with PBS to eliminate any unbound stain, air-dried for 30 min, and morphology was observed using light microscope 40× magnification and recorded using the AmScope T720 Series Infinity microscope. Biofilm inhibition was observed for all the tested non-albicans Candida strains following treatment. Biofilm fragmentation to microcolonies was evident upon treatment with 31.2 μg/mL of CuNP in C. glabrata. In C. tropicalis, treatment with 62.4 μg/mL led to reduced biofilm formation but still retained denser clusters and pseudohyphae. The highest antibiofilm effect was achieved when C. krusei was treated with 3.8 μg/mL leading to biofilm fragmentation to thin and discontinuous strands.⁷⁰

Cytotoxic activity

For the study of toxicity of the CuNPs isolated from Pyracantha koidzumii, the Human Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HepG2) cell line was chosen. Cultivation of HepG2 cells was done under conditions with EMEM, which included 10% of fetal bovine serum, 1% of non-essential amino acids, 1% of sodium pyruvate and 1% of antibiotic-antimycotic solution at 37ºC and 5% CO₂ atmosphere. Among 80-90% confluence, cells were removed using 0.25% trypsin-EDTA solution. Subsequently, cells were introduced to CuNPs in the concentration range of 0.24 to 250 μg/mL for 24 hr. The cell viaHbility was estimated with the help of Fluorescein Diacetate (FDA) fluorometric test by addition of 0.016 mg/mL FDA for 5 min at room temperature. Measurement of fluorescence was performed at the wavelengths of 488 nm of excitation and 533 nm of emission; normalization of results was done using the protein amount determined according to Lowry. In terms of cytotoxicity, the Pyracantha koidzumii-based CuNPs exhibited relatively moderate concentration-dependent cytotoxicity towards HepG2 cells. Under low concentration ranges of 0.24 to 3.9 μg/mL, the nanoparticles showed good cytocompatibility with high viability of 93%. With the increase in concentration to 7.81 μg/mL, there was marked decrease in cell viability to about 44%. Based on this, the cytotoxicity at high concentration could be attributed to the presence of phenolic compounds such as quercetin, rutin, and hyperoside in the aqueous extract of the plant.⁶⁹

Pyracantha crenulata

• Synonyms: Mespilus crenulata D. Don, Cotoneaster crenulatus K. Koch, Pyracantha chinensis M. Roem, Crataegus crenulata Roxb.⁷¹
• Common Names: Ghingharu (Saini et al., 2026), Himalayan firethorn, Nepalese firethorn or Hawthorn (Guglani et al., 2022), Ghangaru, Gangaru, Kaathgedi.⁷¹

Geographical Distribution

Pyracantha crenulata is mainly distributed across the Himalayan belt, extending from the Sutlej region of India to Bhutan, and it is also native to China. The plant commonly grows at elevations between 800-2500 m. In Uttrakhand, it is widely found between 1000-2600 m altitude, especially in districts such as Almora, Nainital, Champawat, Tehri and Pithoragarh. The species is also present in the Himalayan foothills of Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, the Northeastern hill regions of India, and Nepal, where it generally occurs between 1600-2500 m elevation.⁷¹ This perennial shrub prefers mountainous habitats with good drainage and sufficient sunlight, and it is frequently observed in temperate forests and alpine meadow ecosystem s. The shrub is able to survive under diverse climatic conditions to subtropical environments, demonstrating its ecological adaptability. Due to its extensive occurance in Himalayan regions, Pyracantha crenulata has been traditionally used in herbal medicine for many years. Its broad geographical distribution may also influence variations in its phytochemical composition and therapeutic properties.⁷²

Botanical description

Pyracantha crenulata is an evergreen shrub known for its unique botanical and structural features. Morphologically, plant usually reaches a height of about 1.5-3 m and develops many branches. Its thick, upright growth creates a dense shrub covered with shiny green leaves. The name ‘firethorn’ comes from the sharp thorns present on the branches. It is a thorny, woody shrub that usually grows to a height of 2-5 m and is native to the Himalayan foothill regions.⁷² The colour of the leaves is dark green, smooth in texture and taper towards the tip, measuring about 2.5-4.0 cm long and 1.0-2.2 cm wide. They are generally elliptical to ovate in shape. One distinctive feature of the leaves is their delicately toothed edges, which create a scalloped or crenulated pattern, inspiring the species name crenulata.⁷¹ The plant bears white compound corymb inflorescences containing many bisexual flowers. Each flower consists of 20 stamens, a central ovary, and is enclosed by five sepals and five petals. The plant flowers between march and may.⁷² Its fruit are small, pome-like juicy berries that ripen from July to September. Each berry weighs nearly 250 mg and changes in colour from orange to bright red on maturation.⁷³

Traditional Uses

Pyracantha crenulata has long been valued in Southeast Asian countries for both its traditional medicinal applications and it is used as a food resource.⁷² It has been traditionally applied to managing several cardiovascular diseases, including heart failure, weakened heart muscles, high blood pressure. In addition, its fruits are known to exhibit antispasmodic, diuretic, calming and blood vessel-dilating effects. Its leaves are used for making herbal tea. Leaves are used like appetizer, vasodilator and soothing.⁷¹ It is used for treating malaria.⁷⁴ Leaves are also used in case of burns. It is used as a starter, vasodilator and soothes. It is used in treating malaria. Paste of leaf helps in case of burns.⁷⁵

Reported phytoconstituents

The phytoconstituents like phenols, flavanoids, triterpenoids, phytosterols, tannins present in Pyracantha crenulata are shown in Table 10 and some chemical structures are presented in Figure 8.

Reported pharmacological activities

The reported activities including analgesic, antidiabetic, antibacterial, antihypertensive, antiurolithogenic are shown in Figure 9 and Table 11.

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Analgesic activity

The analgesic effect of Hydroethanolic filtrate obtained from leaf and fruit of Pyracantha crenulata in Wistar rats via oral route of administration at doses of 100 and 300 mg/kg. The effects were evaluated using the tail immersion, tail flick, Eddy's hot plate, and the formalin-induced pain response model, with diclofenac sodium (25 mg/kg) being used as the control drug. Both extracts significantly increased reaction latency in thermal nociception tests and decreased pain responses in both neurogenic and inflammatory phases of the formalin test with increasing concentration manner, where increased dose produced maximal effect, which was equal to the effect of diclofenac. Also, molecular docking and molecular dynamics studies have shown that gallic acid, which is one of the main phytoconstituents in the extracts, is responsible for the analgesic activity through inhibitory effect on Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) enzyme and interaction with μ-opioid receptor.⁸⁰

Antidiabetic activity

The antidiabetic effect of sequential n-hexane, ethyl acetate, ethanolic, and aqueous extracts of fruit was analyzed by in vitro α-amylase and α-glucosidase enzyme at different concentrations varying between 10 to 100 µg/mL, where acarbose served as the control drug. The effects of the extract on the two enzymes were dose-dependent, with the ethanolic extract displaying maximum potency. With respect to α-amylase enzyme inhibition, the ethanolic extract displayed 73.22±0.56% inhibition at a concentration of 100 µg/mL, whereas the IC₅₀ of acarbose was 33.34 µg/mL. For the α-glucosidase enzyme inhibition activity, the ethanolic extract showed 77.94±1.47% inhibition at 100 µg/ mL and value of IC₅₀ was 30.09 µg/mL, while the IC₅₀ of acarbose was 24.86 µg/mL.⁸¹

Antioxidant activity

The anti-oxidant potential of lyophilized leaves ethanol extract of Pyracantha crenulata was analyzed using DPPH method. Various doses of filtrate ranging from 200, 400, 600, 800, and 1000 µg/ mL, were tested against the standard ascorbic acid. DPPH radical scavenging activity of extract was seen to be depending on the concentration of the sample. IC₅₀ of freeze-dried leaf extract was determined with value of 12.73 µg/mL while that of standard AA was comparatively lower, 8.10 µg/mL. It is evident from the results that the extract possessed good antioxidant effect but was less potent from the standard one.⁷⁸

Antibacterial activity

Antibacterial activity of Pyracantha crenulata fruit was tested through the in vitro disc diffusion technique using ethanolic fruit pulp extract against 10 bacterial species. The extract displayed remarkable antibacterial property, showing the greatest zones of inhibition against S. flexneri (18 mm), E. coli (17 mm), and S. pyogenes (15 mm). These results suggest that the ethanolic fruit extract of P. crenulata displays good antibacterial property against pathogenic bacteria.¹³

Antiurolithogenic activity

Antiurolithiogenic activity of Pyracantha crenulata fruit was conducted using fresh fruit juice and 70% hydro-alcoholic (alcohol) extracts in ethylene glycol-induced urolithiasis in male albino rats. Both extracts orally administered to the rats at a dose of 250 mg/kg BW for prophylactic and therapeutic effect, whereas Cystone was taken as the standard drug at a dosage of 750 mg/kg. Hydro-alcoholic extract possessed significant activity where it caused a reduction of urinary oxalate from 2.61±0.17 to 0.86±0.01 mg/dL, calcium from 3.85±0.18 to 2.03±0.24 mg/dL and phosphate from 6.82±0.13 to 3.40±0.26 mg/dL. It also reduced renal oxalate content from 4.85±0.11 to 2.18±0.03 mg/g, calcium from 4.94±0.21 to 2.82±0.21 mg/g and phosphate from 3.88±0.11 to 1.80±0.06 mg/g. In addition, renal functions improved through reduction in blood urea nitrogen from 52.67±0.46 to 40.31±0.22 mg/dL, serum creatinine from 0.98±0.08 to 0.60±0.03 mg/dL and uric acid from 3.48±0.11 to 2.00 mg/mL.⁸²

Antihypertensive Activity

This study aimed to investigate the antihypertensive activity of fruit beverage prepared from Pyracantha crenulata was evaluated in Wistar male rats using normotensive and cadmium chloride (1 mg/kg, i.p.)-induced hypertensive models. In the non-invasive normotensive model, oral administration of the beverage at 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 mL/rat produced a biphasic reduction in mean arterial blood pressure, with the hypotensive effect persisting for up to 5 hr, while heart rate remained unchanged, indicating that the beverage lowered blood pressure without causing significant cardiac depression. In the invasive hypertensive model, intravenous administration of 25, 50, and 100 µL/ rat significantly reduced blood pressure, with the 100 µL/rat dose maintaining the antihypertensive effect for up to 4 hr in cadmium chloride-induced hypertensive rats. It concluded that the fruit beverage possesses significant antihypertensive activity, which was attributed mainly to its high flavonoid and antioxidant content, supporting its potential use as a natural cardioprotective and antihypertensive formulation.⁵

Anticancer Activity

Anti-cancer activity of Pyracantha crenulata were investigated using biologically synthesized Silver Nanoparticles (AgNPs) made by reducing silver nitrate with the assistance of the extract from leaves of the plant. The antitumor activity was tested in vitro on liver cancer cells called Hep-2 with the help of Sulphorodamide B (SRB) and MTT assays. The AgNPs were measured at 10 µg/mL concentration whereas Cyclophosphamide monohydrate (5 µg/ mL) was taken as the standard control compound. The AgNPs showed high cytotoxic activity resulting in 78.45% inhibition of Hep-2 cells in SRB test and 75.62% inhibition in MTT test while the corresponding values for Cyclophosphamide were 85.0% and 82.23%, respectively.⁸³

Neuroprotective

Pyracantha crenulata was tested for its neuroprotective effect using a hydroalcoholic extract of the whole plant using Soxhlet extraction in methanol: water (1:1) ratio. Neurotoxicity was created by administering Aluminium Chloride (AlCl₃, 100 mg/ kg/day) in oral way to adult male Wistar rats for 21 days to create memory deficit similar to Alzheimer's disease. Hydroalcoholic extract of Pyracantha crenulata was orally given at doses of 250 and 500 mg/kg/d, while rivastigmine (5 mg/kg/day) was used as the standard drug. Tests used in evaluating memory and learning included MWM (Moris water maze) test and EPM (Elevated plus maze) test. Biochemical and histopathological studies were also carried out on the animals. Treatment with the extract of P. crenulata, especially 500 mg/kg dose, significantly enhanced spatial learning and memory, elevated SOD levels from 3.88±0.37 to 6.54±0.35 µmol/mg protein, decreased Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) levels from 0.39±0.018 to 0.26±0.026 ng/g protein and lowered Myeloperoxidase (MPO) levels from 196.38±5.25 to 125.61±9.24 U/L when compared with disease control.⁷³

DISCUSSION

The available literature indicates that Pyracantha species possess a broad phytochemical profile, including flavonoids, phenolic acids, triterpenoids, polysaccharides, organic acids, vitamins, minerals, and other specialized metabolites. The reported composition varies according to species, plant part, geographical origin, extraction method, and experimental conditions. Pyracantha fortuneana has been comparatively well investigated for polysaccharides, antioxidant, antidiabetic, anticancer, antihyperlipidemic, immunoprotective, and anti-photoaging effects, whereas P. coccinea and P. crenulata have also demonstrated diverse biological activities. P. angustifolia and P. koidzumii show promising antioxidant, antibacterial, antimelanogenesis, tyrosinase-inhibitory, antifungal, antibiofilm, and anticancer activities, although the evidence base is smaller. Most reported pharmacological evidence remains preclinical, with a substantial proportion derived from In vitro assays and animal models. The studies summarized in this review support the therapeutic potential of Pyracantha, but differences in plant material, extraction procedures, doses, models, and outcome measures limit direct comparison among studies. Further work should therefore emphasize authenticated and standardized plant material, validated phytochemical profiling, isolation of bioactive constituents, mechanistic studies, toxicity evaluation, pharmacokinetic characterization, and well-designed preclinical and clinical investigations. The development of standardized extracts and modern delivery systems may also improve reproducibility and translational potential.

CONCLUSION

The genus Pyracantha is a remarkable genus of medicinal and ornamental plants, which has great ethnopharmacological importance. This review emphasizes the richness of Pyracantha species regarding variety, geographical distribution, and phytochemical composition. There are numerous reports on the presence of various classes of secondary metabolites, including flavonoids, phenolic acids, triterpenoids, organic acids, polysaccharides, anthocyanins, carotenoids, and others, among different Pyracantha species. The current scientific literature proves the wide spectrum of pharmacological activity of this genus, such as anti-oxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, antihypertensive, carcinogentioc, hepatoprotective, immunomodulatory, anti-photoaging, and woundhealing properties. All the mentioned data prove the high medicinal value of Pyracantha species and their great effect as a source of photochemical constituents for the development of pharmaceuticals and nutraceuticals.

Although there have been some promising developments in the research, the genus Pyracantha has not been studied sufficiently enough. It seems that most of the research was performed only on several species, namely, Pyracantha fortuneana, Pyracantha coccinea, Pyracantha crenulata, Pyracantha angustifolia, and some other species such as Pyracantha atalantioides and Pyracantha koidzumii have not been paid so much attention yet. Moreover, the majority of pharmacological experiments are based on In vitro and animal models, but there is no human trial available yet. The standardization of the material, the profiling of phytochemicals, the characterization of active substances, the evaluation of pharmacokinetics, the toxicity studies, and the investigation of molecular mechanisms are also needed. The differences in the procedures of extractions, the plant parts used, the geographic origin, and the experimental conditions make the comparison of data from different studies difficult as well. Future investigation should be explored the isolation and identification of new active substances, at advanced metabolomics and molecular research, as well as at developing standard extracts of high quality. Preclinical and clinical studies should be conducted to validate medicinal potential of Pyracantha species and determine their safety profiles. Additionally, nanotechnology, green synthesis methods, and new technologies of drug delivery could help to increase the bioavailability of Pyracantha extracts. The conservation and sustainable utilization of Pyracantha genetic resources should be ensured in order to make these plants available for medicinal and commercial use in the future. In conclusion, it can be stated that the evidence obtained shows that Pyracantha genus is characterized by high phytochemical diversity and medicinal potential.

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