An Updated Review on Phytochemistry of Plumeria alba L. (Apocynaceae)

Plumeria alba L. (Apocynaceae) is an ornamental tree widely distributed in tropical and subtropical regions and is well recognized in traditional medicine. Over the decades, extensive phytochemical investigations have been conducted on different parts of the plant, resulting in the identification of diverse secondary metabolites. This review aims to systematically compile and organize phytochemical data on Plumeria alba L. reported between 1960 and 2024, focusing on the identification and classification of secondary metabolites from different plant parts. By highlighting major and frequently reported compounds, the review provides a consolidated chemical profile to support future studies on isolation, characterization, and further scientific exploration. Key classes include iridoids, flavonoids, alkaloids, phenolics, coumarins, terpenoids (mono-, sesqui-, di-, and triterpenes), fatty acids, hydrocarbons, alkanes, alkenes, alkynes, esters, aldehydes, carboxylic acids and other miscellaneous compounds. Floral essential oils were rich in monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes, while leaves contained abundant flavonoids, phenolic acids, sugars, and amino acids. Major compounds such as plumieride, plumericin, ursolic acid, and quercetin were frequently reported. Although many of these constituents are known to possess biological activities, this review focuses solely on their chemical identification. The data provide a valuable foundation for future studies aimed at isolating, characterizing, and evaluating the bioactivity of these compounds to support potential therapeutic applications.