Abstract

THE ETHNOBOTANY, PHYTOCHEMISTRY AND BIOLOGICAL PROPERTIES OF ALLOPHYLUS SPECIES USED IN TRADITIONAL MEDICINE: A REVIEW

R.B. Chavan* and D.K. Gaikwad

ABSTRACT

Allophylus (Family Sapindaceae) comprises about 255 species worldwide. Genus is having ethnopharmcological background and widely used in folk medicines. The aim of the present review is presentation and critical evaluation of the comprehensive information on ethnopharmacology of Allophylus especially its uses in traditional medicine, phytochemical constituents and biomedical research. A. serratus (Roxb.) Kurz., A. cobbe (L.) Raeusch., A. laevigatus (Turcz.) Radlk., A. edulis (A.St.-Hil., A.Juss. & Cambess.) Radlk. and A. africanus P. Beauv. are the phytochemically studied species of Allophylus. β-sitosterol and phenacetamide found in leaves of A. serratus are having antiulcer properties. Rutin, present in leaves of A. serratus has a wide range of biological activities. It has properties like antibacterial, antioxidant, anticancer, antiinflammatory and antiosteoporotic. Quercetin3-β-D glucoside is present in branches of A. edulis has antihypertensive action. L-quebrachitol found in twigs of A. edulis is antidiabetic. 11 acetoxy-4α-methoxy-eudesmane and Apigenin 8-c-β rhamnopyranoside Carissone have been found in fruits of A. laevigatus. In the present review, attempts have been made on critical discussion of identification and biological activities of important phytochemicals present in Allophylus which have been highlighted along with ethnobotanical knowledge and recent trends in research of this promising plant. Traditional knowledge alongwith present and future research on this plant will be helpful for the development of new drug targets for treatment of health problems like diabetes, bone fractures, osteoporosis, ulcers, wounds, cardiovascular disorders and bacterial infections. The present review compiles and critically evaluates ethnobotanical uses, phytochemical research, pharmacological studies and clinical investigations of Allophylus possessing inhibitory action of the angiotensin converting enzyme, anti-hepatotoxic activity and negative ionotropic activity.

Keywords: Allophylus species, Anti-osteoporotic, Antiulcer, antibacterial, wound healing, fracture healing.