Gnetum Genus: Review on its Traditional Uses, Phytochemistry and Pharmacological Activities
Main Article Content
Abstract
Gnetum belongs to the family Gnetaceae and is commonly found in tropical and humid regions of Africa, South America, and Southeast Asia. Plants of this genus are used in traditional medicine to treat conditions such as arthritis, bronchitis, and asthma. Gnetum is recognized as a rich source of stilbenes, and numerous studies have reported the presence of stilbenes along with other bioactive constituents, including alkaloids and flavonoids. These compounds contribute to various health benefits, such as antidiabetic, anticancer, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the traditional uses, phytochemical composition, and pharmacological activities of Gnetum species. Data were collected from scientific databases, including Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, and SciFinder. Phytochemical investigations have identified approximately 149 bioactive compounds in Gnetum, including stilbenoids, flavonoids, and alkaloids. These isolated compounds exhibit significant pharmacological properties, such as cytotoxicity, antidiabetic effects, and anti-inflammatory activity. This review highlights the traditional applications, phytochemical profiles, and pharmacological potential of Gnetum species. It confirms that several Gnetum species have been widely utilized in traditional medicine for treating various ailments. Future research in phytomedicine should focus on further exploring the phytochemistry and pharmacological mechanisms of this genus to unlock its full therapeutic potential.
Downloads
Article Details
Section

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.
How to Cite
References
Ali Z, Tanaka T, Iliya I, Iinuma M, Furusawa M, Ito T, Nakaya K. Ich, Murata J, Darnaedi D. Phenolic constituents of Gnetum klossii. J. Nat. Prod. 2003; 66: 558–560. https://doi.org/10.1021/np020532o
Carlquist S. Wood and bark anatomy of liamoid Indornalesian and Asiatic species of Gnetum. Bot. J. Linn Soc. 1996; 121: 1-24. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1095-8339.1996.tb00742.x DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1095-8339.1996.tb00742.x
Singh VP. Gymnosperm (naked seeds plant): Structure and development. Prabhat Kumar Sharma for Sarup & Sons. 2006. Delhi, India.
Won H Renner S. The internal transcribed spacer of nuclear ribosomal DNA in the gymnosperm Gnetum. Mol Phylogenet Evol. 2006; 36: 581-597. DOI: 10.1016/j.ympev.2005.03.011 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ympev.2005.03.011
Kubitzki K. Gnetaceae. In: Kramer, K. U, Green, P.S. (eds) Pteridophytes and Gymnosperms. The Families and Genera of Vascular Plant. 1990. Vol 1. Springer. Berlin. Heidelberg. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-662-02604-5_71
Deng N, Hou C, Liu C, Li M, Bartish I, Tian Y, Chen W, Du C, Jiang Z, Shi S. (2019) Significance of Photosynthetic Characters in the Evolution of Asian Gnetum (Gnetales). Front. Plant. Sci. 2019; 10: 1-13. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpls.2019.00039 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/fpls.2019.00039
Ohguchi K, Tanaka T, Iliya I, Ito T, Iinuma M, Matsumoto K, Akao Y, Nozawa Y. (2003) Gnetol as a potent tyrosinase inhibitor from genus Gnetum. Biosci. Biotechnol Biochem. 2003; 67: 663–665. DOI: 10.1271/bbb.67.663 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1271/bbb.67.663
Cho HM, Ha TK, Pham HT, An JP, Huh J, Lee BW, Lee HJ, Oh WK. Oligostilbenes from the leaves of Gnetum latifolium and their biological potential to inhibit neuroinflammation. Phytochem. 2019; 165: 112044. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phytochem .2019.05.017
Martin F, Grkovic T, Sykes ML, Shelper T, Avery VM, Camp D, Quinn RJ,Davis RA. Alkaloids from the Chinese vine Gnetum montanum. J. Nat. Prod. 2011; 74: 2425–2430. https://doi.org/10.1021/np200700f DOI: https://doi.org/10.1021/np200700f
Ekop AS. Determine of chemical composition of Gnetum africanum (AFANG) seeds. PJN. 2007; 6: 40-43. DOI: 10.3923/pjn.2007.40.43 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3923/pjn.2007.40.43
Ali F, Assanta MA, Robert C. Gnetum africanum: A wild food plant from the african forest with many nutritional and medicinal properties. J Med Food. 2011; 14:1289–1297. https://doi.org/10.1089/jmf.2010.0327 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1089/jmf.2010.0327
Lin M, Lr JB, Li SZ, et al (1992) A dimeric stilbene from Gnetum parvifolium. Phytochemistry. 31: 633-638. https://doi.org/10.1016/0031-9422(92)90050-Z DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/0031-9422(92)90050-Z
Li XM, Wang YH, Lin M. Gnetupendin C, a new stilbene dimer from lianas of Gnetum pendulum. Chin. Chem. Lett. 2001a; 12: 611-612.
Kato E, Tokunaga Y, Sakan F. Stilbenoids isolated from the seeds of melinjo (Gnetum gnemon L.) and their biological activity. J. Agri. Food Chem. 2009; 57: 2544–2549. https://doi.org/10.1021/jf803077p
Saisin S, Tip-pyang S, Phuwapraisirisan S. A new antioxidant flavonoid from the lianas of Gnetum macrostachyum. Nat. Prod Res: Formerly Nat Prod Lett. 2009; 23: 1472-1477. DOI: 10.1080/14786410802280943 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/14786410802280943
Barua CC, Haloi P, Barua I. Gnetum gnemon Linn.: A Comprehensive review on its biological, pharmacological and pharmacognostical potentials. Int J Pharm Phyto Res. 2015; 7:531-539. https://doi.org/10.1590/fst.100121 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1590/fst.100121
Britannica, 2008
Yao CS, Mao L, Xin L, Wang YH. Stilbenes from Gnetum cleistostachyum. Acta Chim Sinica. 2003; 61: 1331 – 1334.
Ali MI, Shabir S, Soni LK, Dobhal MP, Moin S. The phytochemical potential of gnetaceae with peculiar reference to Gnetum ula and traditional uses of gnetaceae species. Plant Arch. 2020; 20: 2979–2986.
Prashanth KG, Shiddamallayya N. Survey of wild medicinal plants of Hassan district, Karnataka. J. Med. Plants. 2016; 4: 91-102.
Biye EH, Balkwill K, Cron, GV. Taste versus shelf life: Intended use should guide selection of indigenous strains of Gnetum gnemon L. (Gnetaceae) for domestication in Africa. S. Afr. J. Bot. 2017; 113: 170–181. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sajb.2017.08.013 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sajb.2017.08.013
Isong EU, Adewusi SAR, Nkanga EU, Umoh EE, Offiong EE. Nutritional and phytogeriatological studies of three varietes of Gnetum africanum. Food Chem. 1999; 64:489–493. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/S0308-8146(98)00139-3
Amelia E, Wahyuni I, Marianingsih P. The Diversification Use of Melinjo (Gnetum gnemon) in Banten Local Food. ABSR. 2021; 9: 203–206. DOI: https://doi.org/10.2991/absr.k.210304.037
Lins AP, Ribeiro M, Gottlieb OR, Gottlieb H, (1989) Gnetins: resveratrol oligomers from Gnetum species. Journal of Natural Products. 45: 754-761. https://doi.org/10.1021/np50024a022 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1021/np50024a022
Rivière C, Pawlus AD, Mérillon JM. Natural stilbenoids: Distribution in the plant kingdom and chemotaxonomic interest in Vitaceae. Nat. Prod. Rep. 2012; 29: 1317–1333. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1039/C2NP20049J DOI: https://doi.org/10.1039/c2np20049j
Rupasinhe H, Nair S, Robinson R. Chemopreventive properties of fruits phenolic compounds and their possible mode of actions. Stud. Nat. Prod. Chem. 2014; 42: 229-266. DOI:10.1016/B978-0-444-63281-400008-2 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-444-63281-4.00008-2
Iliya I, Ali Z, Tanaka T, Iinuma M, Furusawa M, Nakaya K, Murata J, Darnaedi D, Matsuura N, Ubukata M. Stilbene derivatives from Gnetum gnemon Linn. Phytochem. 2003a; 62(4): 601–606. DOI: 10.1016/s0031-9422(02)00670-2 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/S0031-9422(02)00670-2
Tanaka T, Iliya I, Ito T, Furusawa M, Nakaya K, Iinuma M, Shirataki Y, Matsuura N, Ubukata, M, Murata J, Simozono F, and Hirai K. Stilbenoids in lianas of Gnetum parvifolium. Chem. Pharma. Bull. 2001; 49: 858–862. DOI: 10.1248/cpb.49.858 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1248/cpb.49.858
Li XM, Wang YH, Lin M. Stilbenoids from the lianas of Gnetum pendulum. Phytochem. 2001; 58: 591–594. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0031-9422(01)00269-2 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/S0031-9422(01)00269-2
Iliya I, Ali Z, Tanaka T, Iinuma M, Furusawa M, Nakaya K, Murata J, and Darnaedi D. Stilbenoids from the stem of Gnetum latifolium (Gnetaceae). Phytochem. 2002a; 61: 959–961. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0031-9422(02)00289-3 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/S0031-9422(02)00289-3
Yao CS, Lin M, Wang L. Isolation and Biomimetic Synthesis of Anti-inflammatory Stilbenolignans from Gnetum cleistostachyum. Chem Pharm Bull. 2005; 54: 1053—1057. DOI:10.1248/cpb.54.1053 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1248/cpb.54.1053
Iliya I, Tanaka T, Iinuma M, Ali Z, Furasawa M, Nakaya K, Shirataki Y, Murata J, and Darnaedi D. Stilbene derivatives from two species of Gnetaceae. Chemical and Pharm. Bull. 2002b; 50: 796–801. DOI: 10.1248/cpb.50.796 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1248/cpb.50.796
Sri-in P, Sichaem J, Siripong P, and Tip-pyang S. Macrostachyols A–D, new oligostilbenoids from the roots of Gnetum macrostachyum. Fitoterapia. 2011; 82: 460–465. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fitote.2010.12.008 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fitote.2010.12.008
Xu Q, Lin M. Benzylisoquinoline alkaloids from Gnetum parvifolium. J Nat Prod. 1999; 62: 1025-1027. https://doi.org/10.1021/np980472f DOI: https://doi.org/10.1021/np980472f
Seo C, Lym SH, Jeong W, Lee JE, Lee JA, Ahn EK, Kang JS, Kim WH, Choi CW, Oh JS, and Hong SS. Flavonoids, stilbenoids, and phenolic derivatives from the stems of Gnetum macrostachyum (Gnetaceae). Biochem. Syst. Ecol. 2020; 90: 104033. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bse.2020.104033 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bse.2020.104033
Udeh N, Nnadi C, Anaga A, Asuzu I. Bioactivity-guided fractionation of a methanol leaf extract from Gnetum africanum with potential anti-diabetic activity: (-)-epicatechin as the active principle. J. Res. Pharm. 2021; 25: 72–79. DOI:10.35333/jrp.2021.293 DOI: https://doi.org/10.35333/jrp.2021.293
Shimokawa Y, Akao Y, Hirasawa Y, Awang K, Hamid A, Hadi A, Sato S, Aoyama C, Takeo J, Shiro M, Morita H. Gneyulins A and B, Stilbene Trimers, and Noidesols A and B, Dihydroflavonol-C-Glucosides, from the Bark of Gnetum gnemonoides. J. Nat. Prod. 2010; 73: 763–767. https://doi.org/10.1021/np9007987 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1021/np9007987
Xiang WS, Wang JD, Wang XJ, Zhang J. Two new components from Gnetum pendulum. J. Asian Nat. Prod. Res. 2008; 10: 1081–1085. DOI:10.1080/10286020802318958 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/10286020802318958
Atun S, Arianingrum R. Masataka N. Some phenolic compounds from stembark of melinjo (Gnetum gnemon) and their activity test as antioxidant and UV-B protection. Proceeding JSChem-ITB-UKM. 2007. DOI:10.1021/jf803077p DOI: https://doi.org/10.1021/jf803077p
Supriyadi A, Arum LS, Nugraha AS, Ratnadewi AAI, and Siswoyo TA. Revealing antioxidant and antidiabetic potency of melinjo (Gnetum gnemon) seed protein hydrolysate at different stages of seed maturation. Curr. Res Nutr. 2019; 7: 479-487. DOI : https://dx.doi.org/10.12944/CRNFSJ.7.2.17 DOI: https://doi.org/10.12944/CRNFSJ.7.2.17
Kurnato B, Sutardi S, Supriyanto, Anwar C. Antioxidant activity of Melinjo Ketan (Gnetum gnemon L., ‘Ketan’) seed extraction at various ripening stages and ethanol solvent concentration. Int J Adv Sci Eng Inf Technol.. 2019; 9: 1344-1351. DOI: https://doi.org/10.18517/ijaseit.9.4.9376 DOI: https://doi.org/10.18517/ijaseit.9.4.9376
Huang KS, Li RL, Wang YH, Lin M. Three new stilbene trimer from the lianas of Gnetum hainanense. Planta Med. 2001. 67: 95-98. DOI: 10.1055/s-2001-10875 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1055/s-2001-10875
Shimokawa Y, Hirasawa Y, Kaneda T, Hamid A, Hadi A, Morita H. (2012) Cuspidans A and B, Two New Stilbenoids from the Bark of Gnetum cuspidatum. Chem. Pharma. Bull. 2012; 60: 790–792. DOI: 10.1248/cpb.60.790 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1248/cpb.60.790
Eto M, Shirasawa T, Ouchi Y. trans-Resveratrol in Gnetum gnemon Protects against Oxidative- Stress-Induced Endothelial Senescence. J. Nat Prod. 2012; 76: 1242–1247. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1021/np300841v
Ikuta T, Saito S, Tani H, Tatefuji T, and Hashimoto K. 2015. Resveratrol derivative-rich melinjo (Gnetum gnemon L.) seed extract improves obesity and survival of C57BL/6 mice fed a high-fat diet. Biosci Biotechnol Biochem. 2015; 79: 2044 – 2049. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/09168451.2015.1056510
Yanagihara M, Yoshimatsu M, Inoue A, Kanno T, Tatefuji T, Hashimoto K. Inhibitory effect of gnetin C, a resveratrol dimer from melinjo (Gnetum gnemon), on tyrosinase activity and melanin biosynthesis. Bio. Pharm. Bull. 2012; 35: 993-996. https://doi.org/10.1248/bpb.35.993 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1248/bpb.35.993
Kloypan C, Jeenapongsa R, Sri-In P, Chanta S, Dokpuang D, Tip-Pyang S, and Surapinit N. Stilbenoids from Gnetum macrostachyum attenuate human platelet aggregation and adhesion. Phytother Res. 2012; 26: 1564–1568. DOI: 10.1002/ptr.4605 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.4605
Azmin NFN, Ahmat N, Syah Y, Khairunissa N, Zawani NA, Yusof MIM. A new stilbenoid compound from the lianas of Gnetum microcarpum. Nat. Prod. Commun. 2014; 9(12), 1743–1744. DOI:10.1177/1934578X1400901221 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/1934578X1400901221
Wang LQ, Zhao YX, Hu JM, Jia AQ, and Zhou J. Stilbene Derivatives from Gnetum montanum Markgr. f. megalocarpum Markgr. Helv Chim Acta. 2008; 91: 159 – 164. https://doi.org/10.1002/hlca.200890007 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/hlca.200890007
Kato H, Samizo M, Kawabata R, Takano F, Ohta T. Stilbenoids from the Melinjo (Gnetum gnemon L.) Fruit Modulate Cytokine Production in Murine Peyerʼs Patch Cells Ex Vivo. Planta Med. 2011; 77: 1027–1034. DOI: 10.1055/s-0030-1250742 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0030-1250742
Gabaston J, Buffeteau T, Brotin T, Bisson J, Rouger C, Mérillon JM, Waffo-Téguo P. Diastereomeric stilbenoid glucoside dimers from the rhizomes of Gnetum africanum. Phytochem. Lett. 2020; 39, 151–156. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phytol.2020.08.004 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phytol.2020.08.004
Yao CS, Lin M. Bioactive stilbene dimers from Gnetum cleitostachyum. Nat Prod Res. 2004; 19: 443-448. DOI: 10.1080/14786410412331271041 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/14786410412331271041
Iliya I, Tanaka T, Iinuma M, Furasawa M, Ali Z, Nakaya K, Murata J. and Darnaedi D. Five Stilbene Glucosides from Gnetum gnemonoides and Gnetum africanum. Helv. Chim. Acta. 2002c; 85: 2394 – 2402. https://doi.org/10.1002/1522-2675(200208)85:8<2394::AID-HLCA2394>3.0.CO;2-6 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/1522-2675(200208)85:8<2394::AID-HLCA2394>3.0.CO;2-6
Azmin NFN, Ahmat N, Zawawi NKNA. Chemical constituents from the lianas of Gnetum cuspidatum blume. MJAS. 2016; 20: 388–392. DOI:10.17576/mjas-2016-2002-23 DOI: https://doi.org/10.17576/mjas-2016-2002-23
Iliya I, Tanaka T, Furusawa M, Ali Z, Nakaya K, Iinumaa M, Shirataki Y, Murata J. and Darnaedi D. Four New Glucosides of Stilbene Oligomers from the Stem of Gnetum gnemonoides. Heterocycles. 2001; 55: 2123 – 2130. DOI:10.3987/COM-01-9317 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3987/COM-01-9317
Zhai YM, Jiang K, Qu SJ, Luo HF, Tan JJ, and Tan CH. Structurally diverse stilbene dimers from: Gnetum montanum Markgr.: Studies on the 1H chemical shift differences between dimeric stilbene epimers correlating to the relative configurations. RSC Advances. 2016; 6: 50083–50090. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1039/C6RA08238F DOI: https://doi.org/10.1039/C6RA08238F
Chen H, Lin M. (1999). Gnetifolin L and O, Two Dimeric Stilbenes from Gnetum Montanum. Chin. Chem. Lett. 1999; 10(7): 579 – 582.
Tian LW, Lv J, Liu Y, Song L. A new dimeric stilbene from the lianas of Gnetum parvifolium. Nat. Prod Res. 2017; 31: 1-6. DOI: 10.1080/14786419.2017.1278591 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/14786419.2017.1278591
Tani H, Koshino H, Tanaguchi T, Yoshimatsu M, Hikami S, and Takahashi S. Structural studies on stilbene oligomers isolated from seeds of Melinjo (Gnetum gnemon L.). ACS Omega. 2020; 5: 12245-12250. https://doi.org/10.1021/acsomega.0c00910 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1021/acsomega.0c00910
Ali Z, Tanaka T, Iliya I, Iinuma M, Furusawa M, Ito T, Nakaya K, Murata J, Darnaedi, D. Phenolic constituents of Gnetum klossii. J Nat Prod. 2003; 66: 558–560. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1021/np020532o
Ma YQ, Zhai YM, Deng Y, Guo L, Wan YQ, and Tan CH. (2017) Stilbeno-phenylpropanoids from Gnetum montanum Markgr. Phytochem. Lett. 2017; 21: 42–45. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phytol.2017.05.025 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phytol.2017.05.025
Huang KS, Wang YH, Li RL, Lin M. Stilbene dimer from the lianas of Gnetum hainanense. Phytochem. 2000; 54: 875-881. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0031-9422(00)00151-5 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/S0031-9422(00)00151-5
Wang YH, Huang KS, Lin M. Four New Stilbene Dimers from the Lianas of Gnetum Hainanense. J Asian Nat Prod Res. 2001; 3: 169-176. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/10286020108041387
imoXM, Lin M, Wang YH, Liu X. Four New Stilbenoid from the lianas of Gnetum montanum f. megalocarpum. Planta Med. 2004; 70: 1-6. DOI: 10.1055/s-2004-815494 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1055/s-2004-815494
Li XM, Lin M Wang YH. Stilbenoids from the liana of Gnetum pendulum. J. Asian Nat. Prod. Res. 2003; 5: 113-119. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0031-9422(01)00269-2 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/1028602021000054964
Iliya I, Tanaka T, Iinumaa M, Furusawa M, Ali Z, Nakaya K, Murata J. and Darnaedi D. Four New Stilbene Oligomers in the Root of Gnetum gnemon. Helv. Chim. Acta. 2002d; 85: 2538–2546. https://doi.org/10.1002/1522-2675(200208)85:8<2538::AID-HLCA2538>3.0.CO;2-J DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/1522-2675(200208)85:8<2538::AID-HLCA2538>3.0.CO;2-J
Boralle N, Gottlieb HE, Gottlieb OR, Kubitzki K, Lopes LMX, Yoshida M. and Young MCM. Oligostilbenoids from Gnetum venosum. Phytochem. 1993; 34(5): 1403-1407. https://doi.org/10.1016/0031-9422(91)80038-3 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/0031-9422(91)80038-3
Cho HM, Ha TK, Pham HT, An JP, Huh J, Lee BW, Lee HJ, Oh WK. Oligostilbenes from the leaves of Gnetum latifolium and their biological potential to inhibit neuroinflammation. Phytochem. 2019; 165: 112044. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phytochem.2019.05.017 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phytochem.2019.05.017
Iliya I, Tanaka T, Ali Z, Iinumaa M, Furusawa M, Nakaya K, Shirataki Y, Murata J, Darnaedi, D, Matsuura N, and Ubukata M. Six flavonostilbenes from Gnetum africanum and Gnetum gnemon. Heterocycles. 2003b; 60: 159-166. DOI:10.3987/COM-02-9632 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3987/COM-02-9632
Yao CS, Lin M, Yang QY. A new resveratrol trimer derivative from Gnetum brunonianum. J Asian Nat Prod Res. 2012; 14(9): 918-922 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/10286020.2012.695350


