A RECAP ON POLYALTHIA LONGIFOLIA

Meghana B. P.*, Likhitha N. S., Kishor S., Bhanushree K. and Gouthami B. P.

ABSTRACT

Medicinal plants are nature gift to human beings to lead a disease free, healthy life. They play a vital role in preserving our health.[1] Herbal plants act as a significant source for discovering new compounds with potential therapeutic activities. Polyalthia longifolia, which is commonly known as an Indian mast tree, has various pharmacological properties, such as an anticancer, ulcer protective, hypoglycemic, hypotensive, a corrosion inhibitor, a bio-adsorbent, and few more.[2] Polyalthia longifolia cv. pendula (Annonaceae) is native to the drier regions of India and is locally known as Ashoka and is commonly cultivated in Pakistan and Sri Lanka.[1] Moreover, it is known as false Ashoka owing to its close resemblance with Saraca indica (Ashoka tree). Various compounds have been reported from the extract of some parts of the plant, such as leaves, bark, root, and seeds. This review is an effort to explore and gather plant information in an organized manner. It reveals detailed information about the propagation, synonyms, vernaculars, varieties of plant, medicinal significance, ecology and distribution, botanical and ethnobotanical description, phytochemical constituents, and pharmacological activity of the plant.[2]

Keywords: Polyalthia longifolia, Pharmacological Properties, ethnobotanical Distribution, Ecology and Distribution.