Ethnobotany, Phytochemical, Pharmacological Potentials of Murraya koenigii, and Its Health Benefits – A Review

Abstract

Murraya koenigii, also widely known as curry leaves and curry patta, is a noticeably significant plant recognized all around the world for its tremendous therapeutic, medicinal worth and characteristic aromatic properties. It is one of the major export commodities originated from east and southern part of India bringing good foreign revenue. This review article is designed to assess and compile all the currently available literature on ethnobotanical aspects and phytochemical, pharmacological potentials of M. koenigii. Morphologically, it is a semi deciduous small shrub or aromatic shrub having slender but strong woody stem with branches covered with grey bark. The whole plant of M. koenigii viz., as stem, leaf, fruits, root and seeds have been accounted to have anti-oxidant, anti-fungal, anti-candidal, anti-bacterial, anti-hypersensitive and various biological properties. It is also additionally used in hormonal therapy in traditional medicines as a dysenteric, blood purifier, diuretic, febrifuge, hair tonic, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antipyretic and anti-diarrheal. M. koenigii oil is said to have massive impact in the pharmaceuticals and in aromatherapy enterprises as a powerful ingredient. Many researchers have worked on all parts of M. koenigii, from roots, stem, leaves up its bark. This review is an attempt to summarize all the diverse literature available so as to compile a reliable review article on M. koenigii providing detailed information on therapeutic potential, health benefits and pharmacological applications of the plant.