Abstract

A REVIEW ON BEEJAKA (PTEROCARPUS MARSUPIUM ROXB.) WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO NIGHANTUS

Poonam Chhabra*, Amitabha Daripa and Ushasi Ghosh Chaudhury

Abstract

Beejaka (Pterocarpus marsupium Roxb.) belongs to the family Fabaceae and is widely distributed throughout India. It is well known common medicinal plant of India. The heartwood extract of this plant is reported to have many pharmacological compounds which are useful in the treatment of various disorders. At present it is considered as one of the potent anti-diabetic drugs of herbal origin. Ancient Samhitas like Charaka Samhita, Sushurut Samhita, Nighantu Granthas viz. Dhanvantari Nighantu, Raj Nighantu, Madanpal Nighantu, Shaligram Nighantu, Kaiyadeva Nighantu, Bhavprakash Nighantu, had described Pterocarpus marsupium Roxb and its therapeutic uses in detail. Pterocarpus marsupium extract shows promising results in hyperglycaemia, this plant also finds its use as antidiarrheal agent, cardio tonic and hepatoprotective agent. This review also highlights various medicinal properties of Beejaka through different studies.

Keywords: Nighantu, anti-diabetic, Pterocarpus marsupium.