Murraya koenigii

Abstract

Medicinal plants or their bioactive compounds have been utilized by developing countries for primary and traditional healthcare system since very long period of time. In several ancient systems of medicine including Ayurveda, Siddha and Unani, Murraya koenigii, a medicinally important herb from mainly Asian origin has vast number of therapeutic applications such as in bronchial disorders, piles, vomiting, skin diseases etc. The medicinal utilities have been described especially for leaf, stem, bark and oil. The well studied pharmacology and phytochemistry of M. koenigii and therapeutic potential of this plant needs to be compiled in form of review. The present review incorporates the description of M. koenigii, its phytochemical constituents and various pharmacological activities of isolated compounds as well as bioactivity of extract studies carried out by various numbers of laboratories. In addition to that, it highlights its potential to be the important nutraceutical for diabetes and cardioprotection. Plants have been used in traditional medicine for several thousand years. India is perhaps the largest producer of medicinal herbs and is rightly called the "Botanical garden of the World". Murraya koenigii commonly known as Meethi neem, belongs to the family Rutaceae. The curry tree is native to India and it is found almost everywhere in the Indian subcontinent excluding the higher levels of Himalayas. Curry leaves used traditionally as antiemetic, antidiarrhoeal, febrifuge and blood purifier. The whole plant is considered to be a tonic and stomachic. Curry leaves is found to be effective as antioxidant, antidiabetic, antibacterial, antihypertensive, cytotoxic and also in the treatment of bronchial respiratory difficulties. The leaves are used traditionally as spice in curry and other eatables. The aim of the present review study is to update information about pharmacognostical, phytochemical and pharmacological studies of Murraya koenigii.