Abstract

PHARMACOLOGICAL AND TOXICOLOGICAL PROFILES ON NEOLAMARCKIA CADAMBA: A REVIEW

M. Senthilraja*, S. Ashna, S. Gopi, S. Leelasri, A. Kalaiselvi, S. Logarasan

Abstract

Neolamarckia cadamba (Roxb.) Bosser, Often known as Kadamba, is a member of the Rubiaceae family and has a long history of use in Ayurvedic, Vedic, and ethnomedical literature. This study provides a concise summary of N. cadamba's botanical description, traditional usage, phytochemical components, pharmacological actions, and toxicological profile. Historically, a variety of plant parts, such as the bark, leaves, flowers, fruits, seeds, and roots, have been used to treat diabetes, fever, inflammation, diarrhea, wounds, liver ailments, infections, cancer, and neurological disorders. Phytochemical investigations reveal alkaloids including cadambine, dihydrocadambine, and neolamarckines, as well as flavonoids, tannins, saponins, terpenoids, triterpene glycosides, phenolic acids, steroids, polysaccharides, and essential Oils rich in linalool and geraniol. Pharmacological study has demonstrated antioxidant, antidiabetic, hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antipyretic, antimicrobial, antifungal, anthelmintic, anticancer, wound-healing, gastroprotective, diuretic, sedative, antiepileptic, and urolithiatic activities. Toxicological evaluations in experimental animal models demonstrate no discernible acute or subacute toxicity, indicating safety at therapeutic levels. All things considered, Neolamarckia cadamba is a promising source of bioactive compounds with substantial therapeutic potential, underscoring the need for further systematic research, clinical validation, and standardization to support its development as powerful phytopharmaceutical agents. Future research should focus on molecular mechanisms, dosage optimization, formulation development, andhuman therapeutic trials.

Keywords: Neolamarckia cadamba; Rubiaceae; Tropical medicinal tree; Herbal origin; Plant-based medicine.