PHYTOPHARMACOLOGICAL SIGNIFICANCE OF TERMINALIA CATAPPA L.: AN UPDATED REVIEW

Abstract

Terminalia catappa L., a large spreading tree belonging to the family Combretaceae, is distributed throughout the tropics in coastal environments. Different parts of this tree have been used in folklore medicine and research studies also exhibited various medicinal properties such as antibacterial, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-tumour, anti-HIV, hepato-protective and anti-diabetic of this plant. This review work focused on phytopharmacological significance of T. catappa L. besides its traditional medicinal uses and major chemical constituents reported on this tree. Pharmacological activities reported in the review provide scientific evidences for the numerous traditional uses and folklore claims of this plant.