Medicinal Plants - International Journal of Phytomedicines and Related Industries

SCOPUS
  • Year: 2025
  • Volume: 17
  • Issue: 4

Ethnobotanical applications and antimicrobial potential of the Shorea genus

  • Author:
  • Mardhiah Mohd Shahabuddin1,3, Khong Heng Yen1,2,*, Nyotia Anak Nyokat1, Isabel Lim Fong4, Agustono Wibowo5,6
  • Total Page Count: 14
  • Published Online: Feb 12, 2026
  • Page Number: 630 to 643

1Faculty of Applied Sciences, Universiti Teknologi MARA, 94300Kota Samarahan, Sarawak, Malaysia

3Centre for Pre-University Studies, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak, 94300Kota Samarahan, Sarawak, Malaysia

2Atta-ur-Rahman Institute for Natural Product Discovery (AuRIns), Universiti Teknologi MARA Selangor Branch, Bandar Puncak Alam42300, Selangor, Malaysia

4Department of Paraclinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak, 94300Kota Samarahan, Sarawak, Malaysia

5Faculty of Applied Sciences, Universiti Teknologi MARA Pahang Branch, Jengka Campus, Bandar Tun Abdul Razak, Jengka26400, Pahang, Malaysia

6Organic Synthesis Laboratory, Institute of Science, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Bandar Puncak Alam42300, Selangor, Malaysia

Abstract

As a key member of the Dipterocarpaceae family, Shorea holds longstanding ethnobotanical significance. Bioactive compounds derived from the Shorea genus, which are rich in flavonoids, terpenoids, and stilbenoids, have emerged as promising candidates due to their notable antimicrobial properties. Despite growing interest, current studies remain fragmented and lack a comprehensive review of their ethnobotany and antimicrobial potential, which limits their application in pharmaceutical research. This study aims to address the current research gap by evaluating the antibacterial effectiveness of Shorea bioactive compounds. This review emphasises the ethnobotanical significance of different parts of Shorea species, including the seeds, leaves, bark, and resin, and further explores their antimicrobial potential, encompassing crude extracts, purified compounds, and nanoparticles synthesised from Shorea species. Ultimately, this review aligns with United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 3 (SDG 2030) on ensuring health and well-being through sustainable healthcare innovations.

Keywords

Shorea, Ethnobotany, Antimicrobial activity, Bioactive compounds, Plant extracts