Abstract

A COMPHRESENSIVE REVIEW ON ALSTONIA SCHOLARIS R.BR WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO NIGHANTUS

Poonam Chhabra*, Amitabha Daripa and Ushasi Ghosh Chaudhury

ABSTRACT

Our nature has gifted our planet with wide variety of flora and many of them have significant medicinal properties and humankinds are using them to cure various ailments and diseases since time immemorial. But unfortunately still many herbs lies unexplored and need extensive research. One such well known plant is Alstonia scholaris R.Br which is popularly known as the Saptaparna & Devil’s tree. It is an evergreen tropical tree. Different parts of it are used as traditional medicine as well as it is proven to have Anti-diabetic, Antibacterial, Antidiarrheal, Immunomodulatory, Analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities etc. It is useful in treatment of malaria, diarrhoea, rheumatism, skin diseases, dysentery etc. It is reported to contain various alkaloids, flavonoids and phenolic acids which have bestowed this plant with ample amount of medicinal potential. Purans and various ancient Samhitas like Charaka Samhita, Sushurut Samhita, Nighantu Granthas viz. Dhanvantari Nighantu, Raj Nighantu, Madanpal Nighantu, Shaligram Nighantu, Kaiyadeva Nighantu, Bhavprakash Nighantu, had described Alstonia scholaris and its properties and therapeutic uses in detail. This review deals with compilation of the information regarding Saptaparna from ancient literature and recent discoveries.

Keywords: Review, Alstonia scholaris, Saptaparna, Nighantu Pharmacological activities.