Abstract

REVIEW ON MURRAYA KOENIGII: VERSATILE ROLE IN MANAGEMENT OF HUMAN HEALTH

*Bhavik Chauhan, Jasmine Dedania Dr. R. C. Mashru

ABSTRACT

Murraya Koenigii(L) Spreng (Rutaceae), is a medicinally important herb of Indian origin native to Asia and is found throughout the Indian subcontinent has been used for centuries in the Ayurvedic system of medicine. Murraya Koenigii(Curry leaf tree) has been used in several ancient systems of medicine including Siddha and Unani as a multi-potential medicinal plant. The whole plant is a rich source of carbazole alkaloids and these alkaloids have been reported for their various pharmacological activities such as antiemetic, antidiarrhoeal, blood purifier and febrifuge. It is also been reported as antidiabetic, antioxidant, antihypertensive, antibacterial, cytotoxic and also in the treatment of various respiratory tract disorders. The whole plant is used as a tonic and stomachic. The leaves are also been used externally to treat burns, bruises and skin eruption. It is also been used in preventing premature graying of hair. Apart from these medicinal properties the curry leaves are also been used from centuries as a species as natural flavoring agent. The extracted oil from the leaves is used in soap industry. Apart from all these activities, the plant is also reported to possess a wide spectrum of biological activities and has a potential as a valuable herb for the treatment of various disease as well as for the management of human health. The present review incorporates the description of Murraya Koenigii, and its phytochemical constituents, pharmacognostic evaluation and also throws light on its therapeutic potential for the treatment of various diseases.

Keywords: Murraya koenigii, carbazole alkaloid, phytochemistry, pharmacognostic, pharmacological.