Nyctanthes arbor-tristis Linn—A critical ethnopharmacological review

Ethnopharmacological relevanceNyctanthes arbor-tristis (Oleaceae) is a mythological plant; has high medicinal values in Ayurveda. The popular medicinal use of this plant are anti-helminthic and anti-pyretic besides its use as a laxative, in rheumatism, skin ailments and as a sedative. Vitally, the natives plant it in their home gardens to pass on its medicinal usage to oncoming generations.Aim of the reviewThe present review encompasses an ethnopharmacological evaluation focusing on information on the chemical constituents, pharmacological actions and toxicology in order to reveal the therapeutic potential and gaps requiring research involvement.Materials and methodsThe present review is based on searches in Scifinder®, Pubmed (National Library of Medicine) and books published on the subject during the period 1933 to 2012.ResultsNyctanthes arbor-tristis is most important in local and traditional medicines especially in India for treating intermittent fevers, arthritis and obstinate sciatica. Crude extracts and isolated compounds from the plant were shown to be pharmacologically active against inflammation, malaria, viral infection, leishmanisis and as an immunostimulant. The major class of biologically active compounds are the iridoid glucosides incl., Arbortristoside A, B and C from the seeds active as anticancer, anti-leishmania, anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic, immunomodulatory and antiviral. Other molecules; calceolarioside A, 4-hydroxyhexahydrobenzofuran-7one and β-sitosterol from leaves have been reported to be active as anti-leishmanial, anticancer and anti-inflammatory, respectively. The crude extracts have been found to be safe with an LD50 of 16 gm/kg, while the LD50 of arbortristoside-A isolated from the seeds was found to be 0.5 g/kg.ConclusionMostly in-vitro or in some cases in-vivo models provide some evidence especially in the treatment of inflammatory conditions like arthritis, fevers related to malaria and protozoan diseases especially leishmaniasis. The only clinical study found, is for treating malaria, but with crude extract only. Further, more detailed safety data pertaining to the acute and sub-acute toxicity, cardio and immunotoxicity also needs to be generated for crude extracts or pure compounds.

Nyctanthes arbor-tristis L. (Oleaceae) is a mythological plant having high medicinal usage for treating fevers, arthritis and sciatica. The scientific information on biological activity and phytochemical profile has been congregated from Scifinder ® and books published from 1938 through 2012. Crude extracts having iridoid glucosides are pharmacologically active against inflammation, malaria, viral infection and leishmaniasis having high LD50 (16 g/kg). The review of studies on metabolic disorders and infectious diseases indicate that crude extracts and active fractions hold weightage in future research on this plant. Figure optionsDownload high-quality image (215 K)Download as PowerPoint slide