Genus Kalanchoe (Crassulaceae): A Review of Its Ethnomedicinal, Botanical, Chemical and Pharmacological Properties

Genus Kalanchoe comprises hundred species. Different extracts of these Kalanchoe species have been widely used in traditional medicine. Recently it has been reported that Kalanchoe extracts possess various biological activities viz. antiviral, sedative, antiulcer, immunomodulatory, antileishmanial, CNS depressant, anti-inflammatory, thyroid peroxidase inhibitor, cytotoxic, hepatoprotective, antioxidant, analgesic, anticonvulsant, antimicrobial, inhibition of B cell development, cardiovascular, antihyperglycemic, acetylcholinesterase inhibition, insecticidal and larvicidal activities. Earlier studies on different Kalanchoe species have reported the isolation of polysaccharides, flavonoids, sterols, ascorbic acid, trace elements, organic acids, hydrocarbons, triterpenoids, phenolic components and bufadenolides. This review presents the botany, chemistry, traditional uses and pharmacological data of genus Kalanchoe.