Abstract

Dillenia indica, commonly known as elephant apple and locally known as ou tenga, is an evergreen tree grows in the moist forest of sub-Himalayan region to Assam. It is an important medicinal plant and has been prevalently used in Indian traditional and ayurvedic medicine for curing plethora of ailments such as digestive, respiratory and central nervous system disorders. Traditionally different parts of Dillenia indica are used for the relief of indigestion, asthma, influenza, dysentery, jaundice, promeho, weakness and rheumatic pain, but recent studies reported the extractives showed significant cytotoxic, CNS depressant and free radical scavenging activity. A review on this plant was published in the year 2011.¹ Hence the present review encompasses mainly the research works reported post 2011. Many new phytocompounds and pharmacological activities are reported already. Major chemical compounds betulin (pentacyclic triterpenoid) and betulinic acid show wide spectrum of pharmacological activities like anti-HIV, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, anti-malarial etc. Furthermore, Dillenia indica possesses analgesic, anti-diabetic, anti-microbial, anti-bacterial, anti-diabetic, anti-oxidant, anti-proliferation, anti-diarrhoeal, anti-implantation, cytotoxic, wound healing and hair waving activity. Numerous research works have proven its uses beyond the ethno medicinal ones, in experimental studies as well. There are many Dillenia species but only a few are proven scientifically. Dillenia indica is a well-known medicinal plant of this genus for their therapeutic potential in pre-clinical studies. The present review approaches for phytochemical investigations, pharmacological activities and therapeutic importance of the plant.

Keywords

dillenia indica, morphology, pharmacology, anticancer, anti-bacterial, phytochemical, nutritional, drugs delivery, alcoholic,alkaloids, hydro-alcohol, pharmaceutical