Phytochemicals and Pharmacological Studies of Murraya koenigii Spreng (Rutaceae): A Comprehensive Review of its Therapeutic Potential

Author: Harshita Sisodia and Pravina Rathore

Download PDF

Abstract

The concept of "food as medicine and medicine as food" was prominent in ancient times, highlighting the therapeutic properties of plants. Murraya koenigii, also known as the "Magical plant of Indian Spice", not only served as a culinary ingredient but also held a vital place in traditional medicine among village and folk communities. It is a medicinal herb originating from India and has been extensively utilized in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries. The abundant presence of carbazole alkaloids in the roots, fruits, leaves, and bark of Murraya koenigii has been associated with their significant pharmacological activities, including anticancer, antidiabetic, antinociceptive, antibacterial, and antioxidant properties. Moreover, this plant retains a broad spectrum of biological events. The carbazole alkaloids such as koenigin, bicyclomahanimbicine, cyclomahanimbine, murrayastine, coumarine, koenidine and pyrayafoline carbazole has substantial medicinal activities. Given the phytochemistry and pharmacology of Murraya koenigii, there is a compelling need for a comprehensive review of its therapeutic potential as a valuable agent in the treatment and management of various human ailments. The present review incorporates the description, phytochemical constituents, and pharmacological activities of Murraya koenigii. The findings offer valuable insights into the potential development of effective drugs for the treatment of a wide range of ailments.

Keywords

Murraya koenigii, Phytochemistry, Pharmacological activities

Conclusion

The available literature on Murraya koenigii highlights its abundance of bioactive phytochemicals that have shown potential in treating various diseases. With its widespread presence in India, M. koenigii holds significant appeal for further exploration through pre-clinical and clinical research. This multipotential medicinal plant offers a wide range of applications, as different parts of the plant possess medicinal properties and are utilized in traditional medicine. Extensive examination of its bioactivity, pharmacotherapeutics, mechanisms of action, toxicity profiles, and proper standardization, coupled with clinical trials, may pave the way for the development of new drugs. The plant is commonly employed for its stimulant, antiemetic, antiperiodic, antidiarrheal, tonic, antifungal, depressant, blood-purifying, and anti-inflammatory properties. Moreover, Murraya koenigii has gained recognition for its efficacy in addressing a range of ailments, including body aches, diabetes mellitus, vomiting, stomachic issues, leucoderma, kidney pain, and fevers. It also serves to stimulate appetite and aid digestion. The plant harbors a diverse assortment of phyto-constituents, encompassing carbazole alkaloids, coumarin, carotenoids, carbazole carboxylic acid, lipids, and essential oils. With its validation of numerous traditional uses, future directions may encompass clinical trials and the development of formulations, employing a comprehensive approach to elucidate its therapeutic properties. Furthermore, investigating geographical and seasonal variations could unveil the specific chemical constituents responsible for its bioactivity, offering an intriguing avenue for research. Undertaking extensive research and development endeavors concerning the plant and its derivatives holds pivotal importance in optimizing therapeutic efficacy and fostering economic utilization.

References

-

How to cite this article

Harshita Sisodia and Pravina Rathore (2023). Phytochemicals and Pharmacological Studies of Murraya koenigii Spreng (Rutaceae): A Comprehensive Review of its Therapeutic Potential. Biological Forum – An International Journal, 15(6): 521-528.