Abstract

"PHYTOCHEMICAL, PHARMACOLOGICAL, AND ETHNOBOTANICAL INSIGHTS INTO HELICTERES ISORA LINN. (AVARTANI): A VERSATILE MEDICINAL PLANT WITH THERAPEUTIC POTENTIAL"

Sakshi Prakash Mohite*, Sweta Gani Kannaujia, Bhavana Sanjay Gadge, Diptee Dada Kale, Ridhnya Mahesh Patil, Nayana Sharad Gadhave, Rajnikant Tukaram Kakade

Abstract

Commonly referred to as Avartani or the Indian Screw Tree, Helicteres isora Linn. is a medicinal plant that is widely utilised in Chinese, Siddha, Ayurvedic, and Unani medicine. The herb, which is indigenous to Southern Asia and portions of Africa, has long been used to cure infections, diabetes, gastrointestinal issues, and even snakebite. The taxonomy, colloquial names, geographic range, phytochemical makeup, pharmacological activity, and ethnobotanical use of H. isora are all thoroughly covered in this paper. Phytochemical analyses have identified a diverse range of bioactive constituents, including cucurbitacin, neolignans, flavonoids, alkaloids, and polyphenols. Extracts from various parts of the plant—roots, fruits, bark, leaves, and flowers—have shown significant pharmacological actions such as antidiabetic, antioxidant, antimicrobial, anticancer, hepatoprotective, antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, anthelmintic, and wound healing activities. Experimental studies validate many traditional claims, supporting its use in managing diseases such as diabetes, diarrhoea, cancer, and microbial infections. Given its broad-spectrum bioactivity and rich phytoconstituent profile, Helicteres isora holds considerable promise for development into modern therapeutic agents. Further clinical investigations and pharmacological standardizations are recommended to harness its full medicinal potential.

Keywords: Helicteres isora, Phytochemicals, Ethnobotany, Pharmacological activities, Medicinal plants.