Phytochemical Riches, Bioactivities, and Clinical Potential of Prinsepia utilis Royle: A Comprehensive Review

Abstract Prinsepia utilis Royle, known for its diverse applications in traditional medicine (Chinese and Indian folk medicines), has garnered substantial attention within the field of phytochemistry and bioactivity exploration. P. utilis is a deciduous shrub from the family Rosaceae which is predominantly distributed within the Himalayan Mountain range at altitudes ranging from 1000 to 3000 meters above sea level. This paper is mainly focused on present state of knowledge about P. utilis , focusing on compiling a comprehensive and current database encompassing its phytochemical composition and associated bioactivities. Various phytochemical investigations of P. utilis have yielded a rich repository of secondary metabolites, including alkaloids, flavonoids, phenolics, and terpenoids. Various studies have reported the bioactivities attributed to P. utilis extracts, fractions, or isolated compounds showing the antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory, antimicrobial, enzymatic inhibitory (α‐glucosidase and lipase), immunosuppressive, and cytotoxic. In vivo investigations have demonstrated anti‐inflammatory, anti‐benign prostatic hyperplasia effects, osteoprotective, and hypoglycemic activity aligning with traditional claims. For treatment of atrophic dermatitis and acne vulgaris, formulations containing P. utilis extract have been developed with proven effectiveness. Furthermore, the exploration of P. utilis phytochemistry and bioactivities highlights its promising ability as source of novel therapeutic agents and functional additives. However, further studies are required which integrate pharmacological evaluations, clinical trials, and sustainable cultivation practices to unlock its pharmaceutical and industrial applications.