<i>Zanthoxylum zanthoxyloides (Rutaceae): Ethnopharmacological Perspectives</i>

Zanthoxylum zanthoxyloides (Lam.) Zepern and Timler are medicinal plants widely used in West African traditional medicine, particularly for oral hygiene, malaria, sickle cell disease, gastrointestinal disorders, and inflammatory conditions. Despite extensive ethnomedicinal use, scientific data on the plant remain dispersed across disciplines and publication periods. This review aimed to comprehensively synthesize published research on Z. zanthoxyloides, highlighting its ethnobotanical relevance, phytochemical composition, pharmacological activities, toxicological considerations, and research gaps, with emphasis on chronological progression. A narrative integrative review was conducted using peer-reviewed articles, monographs, and experimental studies accessed from international and regional scientific databases. Eligible studies were thematically categorized into ethnobotany, pharmacognosy, phytochemistry, pharmacology, and toxicology, and analyzed chronologically. Ethnobotanical evidence demonstrates consistent use of the root and stem bark across West Africa, particularly for oral health and malaria. Phytochemical studies reveal a diverse profile dominated by benzophenanthridine and furoquinoline alkaloids, phenolic acids, flavonoids, and essential oils. Pharmacological investigations support antimicrobial, antiplasmodial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, gastroprotective, and antisickling activities, although most findings are preclinical. Pharmacognostic studies indicate that stem bark may serve as a sustainable alternative to root bark. Toxicological data remain limited, with few long-term safety assessments. Z. zanthoxyloides possesses substantial therapeutic potential supported by experimental evidence; however, clinical validation, standardization, and comprehensive toxicological studies are urgently needed to advance its safe and rational use.