Abstract

REVIEW ON: PHYTOCHEMICAL AND PHARMACOLOGICAL ACTIVITIES OF PONGAMIA PINNATA (L) PIERRE

Tambe Geeta*, Ravindra Jadhav and Arshu Patel

ABSTRACT

The tree is known as pongamia pinnata in science. The name ‘Pongamia’ has derived from the Tamil name ‘Pinnata’ that refers to the pinnate leaves. The tree is member of Leguminosae family. [1] It is a medium size glabrous tree popularly known as Karaj in Hindi, Indian beach in English and Pongam in Tamil. It contains several phytoconstituents such as alkaloids, tannins, steroids, glycosides, demethoxy-kanugin, glabrin, kanugin, karangin, flavonoids and fixed oils. Extract of the plant possess significant anti-diarrhoeal, anti-fungul, anti-plasmodial, anti-ulcerogenic, anti-inflammatory, anti- nonciceptive, and anti-hyperglycemic, anti -lipoxidative, anti-hyperammonic, anti-oxidant and analgesic activities. Roots are used for cleaning gums, teeth and ulcers.[2] This analysis examines existing knowledge of common uses, phytochemistry and biological activities, as wel as a limitation that requires future study. Medicinal plants plays an important role in both herbal medicines and modern pharmaceuticals.Pongamia pinnata (P.pinnata) has been recognized in different schemes of herbal medication for the treatment of a variety of diseases and ailments in human.[3]

Keywords: Pongamia pinnata (L) Pierre, Phytochemical profile, Pharmacological activities, Traditional uses.