Abstract

A REVIEW ON TRADITIONAL INDIAN FOLK MEDICINAL HERB: MURRAYA KOENIGII

Vikram Kumar*, Sushil Suthar, Angshu Bandyopadhyay, Sunil Tekale, Sanju Dhawan

ABSTRACT

Murraya koenigii (L.) Spreng (Rutaceae) (Curry leaf tree) is a spicy traditional Indian medicinal plant native to Indo-China but grown mostly in the tropics for the medicinal and flavourant properties of the leaves. The family includes plants throughout tropical zones on most continents and includes approximately 1500 genera and 1500 species. It has been used for centuries in the Ayurvedic system of medicine. Leaves are used as a condiment in the preparation of curry powder, pickle, chutney, sausages and seasonings Curry leaves used traditionally as antiemetic, antidiarrhoeal, febrifuge and blood purifier. The whole plant is considered to be a tonic and stomachic. Curry leaves is found to be effective as antioxidant, antidiabetic, antibacterial, antihypertensive, cytotoxic and also in the treatment of bronchial respiratory difficulties. The leaves are used traditionally as spice in curry and other eatables. The aim of the present review study is to update information about pharmacognostical, phytochemical and pharmacological studies of Murraya koenigii.

Keywords: Murraya koenigii (MK), Rutaceae, Diabetic wound healing, Hypolipidemic, Hypoglycemic.