Abstract

PHARMACOLOGICAL ACTIVITIES OF VIGNA UNGUICULATA- A REVIEW

Umesh Kumar Gupta*, Sanjita Das, Shaneza Aman and Amit Nayak

Abstract

India is a varietal emporium of medicinal plants and is one of the richest countries in the world in regard to genetic resources of medicinal plants since time commercial, Ayurveda and Siddha systems of medicine are the traditional heritage of India wherein diverse plants have been used. The medicinal value of these plants lies in some chemical active substances that produce a definite physiological and pharmacological action on the human body. Vigna unguiculata is one of the most widely distributed species of weeds in the world. It is originated from Africa. It is a major step food cropin sub-saharan Africa, mainly in dry savanna region of Africa. Nigeria is known as world prime producers of cowpea. In India, the plant is popularly called Barbarti and lobia and found abundantly in the winter season. The plant contains various phytochemicals like protein, carbohydrate, and fibers. Pharmacological studies reported that the plant consist various activities such as antifungal, antimicrobial, antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-diabetes, anti-hyperglycemic etc. The extensive survey of the literature revealed that Vigna unguiculata, is an important medicinal plant with diverse pharmacological spectrum.

Keywords: Cowpea, Lobia, traditional uses, pharmacological properties, medicinal plant.