Abstract

PHYTOCHEMICAL AND PHARMACOLOGICAL PROPERTIES OF TABERNAEMONTANA ALTERNIFOLIA L.: A VALUABLE MEDICINAL HERB

Sandra Varghese*, S. Jaspher Stalin, Anjana George and Dr. Santhosh M. Mathews

ABSTRACT

Tabernaemontana alternifolia L. (Apocynaceae), commonly known as Kundalam Paalai, is a valued medicinal plant in traditional folk medicine. Various studies have been undertaken to assess the pharmacological potential of different parts of the plant, namely the roots, stem, flower, bark and leaves. Ethnobotanically, the plant is known to possess antioxidant, anthelmintic, antimicrobial, and curative properties against nervous, hepatic, renal, skin, respiratory and eye disorders. Additionally, it is used to treat heart disorders, diabetes, chronic bronchitis, snakebites, and venereal illnesses. According to earlier accounts, the leaves, flowers, roots and fruits of this plant include alkaloids, sterols, triterpenoids, flavonoids, and resins. Pharmacologically important compounds like rutin, quercetin and a few other phenolic acids have been identified in the leaves of this plant, which exhibits a variety of biological activities. The goal of this review is to provide a concise account of its ethnobotanical uses, phytochemistry, and an in-depth study of its phytoconstituents, facts and potential pharmacological activities.

Keywords: Tabernaemontana alternifolia, Antioxidant, Antimicrobial, Flavonoids.