CRATAEVA TAPIA LINN. – AN IMPORTANT MEDICINAL PLANT: A REVIEW OF ITS TRADITIONAL USES, PHYTOCHEMISTRY AND PHARMACOLOGICAL PROPERTIES

摘要

Medicinal plants, since times immemorial, have been used in virtually all cultures as a source of medicine. Interest in herbal drugs is growing due to their efficiency, low toxicity and absence/minimal side effects. Crataeva tapia L. (Family-Capparaceae) is a branched tree, commonly called as ‘Varuna’. The plant has been reported to possess several medicinal uses which include anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, anti-arthritic, anti-fertility, anti-mycotic, anti-diabetic, anti-microbial, anti-diarrhoeal, wound healing, anti-helminthic, urolithic property, nephrolithic, hepatoprotective and cardio protective. Given the importance of the tree the present review illustrates the medicinal uses of the plant along with its pharmacognostic characteristics, phytochemistry, pharmacological actions and commercial uses. The innumerable medicinal properties and pharmacological studies establish a scientific basis for therapeutic use of this plant.