Abstract

THERAPEUTIC POTENTIAL OF CAREA ARBOREA ROXB.

Singh Rimi*, Mishra H. S., Agarwal Ajay Kumar, Jatav Rinky, Singh Anshu Kumar, Singh Pooja

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Abstract

Carea arborea Roxb. of family Lecythidaceae is one of the medicinal plants of utmost importance. In Ayurveda, it has been identified as botanical source of the classical drug Kumbhi. Apart from main texts of Ayurveda, its medicinal use has been reported in local health traditions also. All parts of the plant are used for medicinal purposes but the bark and leaves constitute the most important and frequently used part of the plant. The drug has been reported to possess Antidiarrhoeal, Demulcent, Analgesic, Anticoagulant, Antioxidant, Antimicrobial, Hepatoprotective properties and exhibited various different activities. In Traditional healthcare system, it has been reported to be extinsively used as antipyretic, antipruritic, diuretic. It is being used in the treatment of rheumatic pain, snake bite, colic and loose motions, skin diseases and many other diseases. The plant has been reported to constitute a very rich phytochemical profile including tanins, flavanoids, alkaloids and many other important phytochemicals. The present paper is an attempt towards exploration of therapeutic potential of the drug by critical review of texts starting from classical texts of Ayurveda and contemporary publications.

Keywords: Carea arborea, Traditional uses, Therapeutical uses.