Phytopharmaceutical and pharmacological aspects of “pongamia pinnata”-a comprehensive review

Abstract

In the last few decades the importance of medicinal plant and its vitality in modern medicine has played a pivotal role in drug discovery and its development. The vast novelty, efficacy and least side effects of the plants have gained the attraction of the researchers, which has led to the exploitation of many traditional medicinal plants and herbs for their therapeutical activities. Even through these efforts there are still some traditional plants that are yet to be exploited for their therapeutic significance, one of such prominent plants is Pongamia pinnata. The plant shows diverse pharmacological activities due to presence of many primary and secondary metabolites. This diversity of many phytoconstituents like alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, glycosides and other which may be the reason for its pharmacological activities which include wound healing, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, anti-ulcer, anti-filarial, anti-diabetic and other activities. The present study is an effort to compile all the available details regarding the characteristics of the plant species, phytoconstituents, traditional use, pharmacological uses and research undertaken related to P. pinnata.