Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Properties of Buddleja globosa Hope (Matico): A Systematic Review of Phytochemical Composition, Molecular Mechanisms, and Translational Evidence.

Background:Buddleja globosa Hope (matico) is a Chilean medicinal plant traditionally used in Mapuche and Aymara ethnomedicine. However, no systematic synthesis of its phytochemical composition and pharmacological evidence has been previously reported. Methods: A PRISMA 2020-compliant systematic review was conducted using Google Scholar, PubMed, EBSCOhost, and Springer Nature databases from inception to March 2026. Studies reporting phytochemical characterization and/or biological activities of B. globosa were included. Methodological quality was assessed using an adapted five-criterion tool for non-clinical studies. The protocol was registered in OSF. Results: Fourteen studies (1989-2026), mainly from Chilean research groups, identified 27 bioactive compounds across leaves, roots, and flowers. These included phenylethanoid glycosides (e.g., verbascoside/acteoside, echinacoside, forsitoside B, and linarin), flavonoids (luteolin 7-O-glucoside, apigenin 7-O-glucoside, myricetin, catechin, and epicatechin), pentacyclic triterpenes (α/β-amyrins and β-sitosterol), iridoid glycosides, and clerodane diterpenoids (buddledines A-C), as well as four newly reported phenylethanoids. Antioxidant activity was the most frequently evaluated endpoint (11/14 studies), mainly mediated through hydrogen atom transfer and single-electron transfer mechanisms linked to caffeoyl and flavonoid structures. Anti-inflammatory effects (five studies) involved COX and 5-LOX inhibition and reduced PGE2 production in LPS-stimulated macrophages. Additional reported activities included antihepatotoxic, antiplatelet, wound-healing, antibacterial, and antifungal effects. Conclusions:B. globosa exhibits a coherent phytochemical profile supporting strong preclinical antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. The main limitation for clinical translation is the low oral bioavailability of phenylethanoid glycosides. Nanoformulation strategies, investigation of colonic metabolites, and topical delivery systems represent promising approaches to bridge the preclinical-to-clinical gap.