Abstract

A CONCISE REVIEW OF RAW MATERIAL AND ISOLATED COMPOUNDS FROM SWALLOW ROOT

*Srinivasan S. and Rayar A.

ABSTRACT

In the present review, traditional uses, uses as food and health drinks, phytochemistry, pharmacology and conservation of this endangered species are highlighted. Phytochemical studies have shown the presence of many valuable compounds such as saponins, tannins, flavonoids, phenolics, triterpenes, ketones, aldelydes, resinol, sterols, inositol, fatty acids, volatile flavour compounds, cardiac glycosides, volatile and essential oils. The tubers have antimicrobial, antipyretic, antiulcer, antidiabetic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, chemoprotective, cytoprotective, insecticidal, neuroprotective and hepatoprotective activities Decalepis hamiltonii is a climbing shrub \with aromatic tuberous roots distributed in Southern parts of Peninsular India. Its tuberous roots are widely used as a health drink and are well known for its medicinal properties. D. hamiltonii is one of the important plants in Ayurvedic system of medicine in India and are used in curing various diseases like stomach disorders, gastric ulcers and to stimulate appetite. This plant has been used in the preparation of several herbal drugs like Amrutamataka taila, Drakshadi churna, Shatavari rasayana and Yeshtimadhu taila. The review aims to provide sufficient baseline information for further works and commercial exploration.

Keywords: Cytoprotective, Periplocaceae, Ayurveda, Root, Antifungal, Antioxidant.