Phytochemistry and Pharmacology of Bombax and Pseudobombax: Evidence-Based Insights and Current Limitations

The genera Bombax and Pseudobombax (Malvaceae) are recognized for their use in traditional medicine. This study provides a systematic review and hierarchical appraisal of their phytochemical and pharmacological profiles. A total of 35 studies were analyzed, revealing 22 distinct biological activities. Our findings uncover a significant "taxonomic bias," with research disproportionately focused on Bombax ceiba, while other species and the entire Pseudobombax genus remain underexplored. Hierarchical assessment shows that while Bombax achieves Level I evidence in metabolic and organ-protective areas through validated in vivo models, Pseudobombax is largely restricted to preliminary Level II and III screenings. Antioxidant activity is the most frequently reported property across both genera, yet it remains primarily anchored in in vitro assays with limited physiological correlation. Furthermore, a "morphological bias" was identified, as investigations favor stem bark and leaves due to methodological convenience and ethnobotanical guidance, often neglecting seeds and roots. This review highlights a persistent translational gap characterized by a lack of pharmacokinetic data and molecular mechanism elucidation. We conclude that future research must shift from repetitive exploratory screenings toward standardized, mechanism-oriented investigations and broader taxonomic exploration to substantiate these genera as viable candidates for modern drug discovery.