Scholars Academic Journal of Pharmacy (SAJP)
ISSN 2320-4206
Sch. Acad. J. Pharm., 2013; 2(2):89-93
©Scholars Academic and Scientific Publisher
(An International Publisher for Academic and Scientific Resources)
www.saspublisher.com
Review Article
Pharmacological Review of Flacourtia sepiaria (Ruxb.)
Sanjeeb Kumar Patro1*, Padmacharan Behera1, Posa Mahesh Kumar1, D.Sasmal1 , Ranjan Kumar Padhy2, S. K.
Dash2
1
Department of pharmaceutical sciences, BIT, Mesra, Ranchi.835215
2
College of pharmaceutical sciences, Bramhapur (Mohuda), Ganjam, Odisha.760002
*Corresponding author
Sanjeeb Kumar Patro
Email: sanjeeb.sms@gmail.com
Abstract: The medicinal plants are widely used by the traditional medical practitioners for curing various diseases in
their day to day practice. Flacourtia sepiaria (Flacourtiaceae) is the most useful traditional medicinal plant in India.
Although there is no such Phytopharmacological activities has been carried out but, still it is considered as a valuable
source of unique natural products for development of medicines and targeting against various diseases. Each part of its
allied species i.e., (leaves, bark, stem, fruits, root and even whole plant) of the Flacourtia indica has demonstrated
several pharmacological activities including Anti-Inflammatory, Antimicrobial, Antioxidant, Hepatoprotective,
Antimalarial, Anti-Diabetic, Anti asthmatic and Antibacterial Activity. The present review highlights a literature on
botanical and pharmacological discussion of Flacourtia sepiaria.
Keywords: Flacourtia sepiaria, Flacourtia indica, Phytoconstituents, Phytopharmacology, Indigenous medicinal plant.
INTRODUCTION:
A large proportion of the population in many
developing countries relies on traditional herbal
practioners to meet their primary health care needs.
Amidst wide range of availability of modern i.e.
synthetic medicines, herbal medicines more
appropriately the herbal drugs or herbals often retain
their popularity for their intense historical and cultural
values. In view of the increasing demand of these herbal
drugs, the issues regarding their safety, efficacy and
quality maintenance in industrialized and developing
countries as well are cropped up. These herbals and
their isolated compounds i.e. the bio-active principles,
have demonstrated spectra of biological activities.
Therapeutic data on such herbals are much
comprehensive from the medico folk lore literatures of
many regions as recorded from time to time.
Flacourtia sepiaria (Ruxb.), synonym of
Flacourtia indica (Burm. f.) Merr, Flacourtia ramontchi
L’Herit. (Family- Flacourtiaceae), commonly known as
‘Tuturi’ or ‘Bainchi’ or ‘Katai’. It is an indigenous
medicinal plant widely distributed in India and
Bangladesh [1]. This plant has been reported as an
answer for the treatment of functional disorders like
rheumatoid arthritis and gout. The areal part of plant
i.e., its fruits are edible; the bark triturated in sesamum
oil is used as aliniment in rheumatism. This tree yields
an antidote to snake –bites from an infusion of the
leaves and roots. In indo china, the liquid from the
infusion the roosted or grilled leaves of Flacourtia
sepiaria given to women after parturition [2]. The allied
species of the plant fruits are used as appetizing,
diuretic, and digestive, in jaundice and enlarged spleen.
Barks are used for the treatment of intermittent fever.
Roots are used in nephritic colic and gum is used in
cholera [1, 3]. Previous Phytochemical investigation on
its allied species of plant (F. indica) resulted in the
isolatation of β-sitosterol (a well-known phytosterol), βsitosterol-βDglucopyranoside,
ramontoside,
butyrolactone lignan disaccharide, flacourtin, coumarin
such as scoparone and aesculetin [3-5]. Thin layer
chromatographic
screening
and
isolation
of
phytochemicals from F. indica showed the presence of
flavonoids, poly phenols and other compounds [3-6].
PLANT DESCRIPTION:
1.1.1. Family : Salicaceae
1.2. Taxonomy:
Domain
: Eukaryota
Kingdom
: Plantae
Subkingdom
: Viridaeplantae
Phylum
: Tracheophyta
Subphylum
: Euphyllophytina
Infraphylum
: Radiatopses
Class
: Magnoliopsida
Subclass
: Rosidae
Superorder
: Violanae
Order
: Malpighiales
Family
: Salicaceae
Tribe
: Flacourtieae
Genus
: Flacourtia
Specific epithet : sepiaria - Roxb.
Botanical name : Flacourtia sepiaria Roxb.
Vernacular Names:
Hindi. : kondai
Eng. : Governors Plum, Madaraskara Plum
Ori.
: Tuturi.
Sansk. : kinkini.
Guj.
: Kankata
89
Sanjeeb Kumar Patro et al., Sch. Acad. J. Pharm., 2013; 2(2):81-88
Kan.
Mal.
Mar.
Punj.
Tam.
Tel.
: Llumanika, Dodda Gejjalakai
: Conoron.
: Kaker, Bhekal.
: kingaro, sherwam
: Sottaikala, Kanru, Kattukala.
: Conrew, Mulu Tiruman.
Related Species of F. sepiaria
Flacourtia afra Pic.Serm.
Flacourtia amalotricha A.C.Sm.
Flacourtia amara Span.
Flacourtia aulakocarpa Hassk.
Flacourtia balansae Gagnep.
Flacourtia benthamii Tul.
Flacourtia calophylla Benth. ex Eichl.
Flacourtia campbelliana Roxb.
Flacourtia camptoceras Miq.
Flacourtia cataphracta.
Flacourtia cavaleriei H.Lév.
Flacourtia celastrina H.B. & K.
Flacourtia cerasifera Zippel. ex Slooten.
Flacourtia chinensis Clos.
Flacourtia cinerea H.B. & K. ex Hemsl.
Flacourtia cordata H.B. & K.
Flacourtia cordifolia Roxb.
Flacourtia corollata Blanco.
Flacourtia crenata Wall.
Flacourtia cuphlebia Merr.
Flacourtia degenori A.C.Sm.
Flacourtia digyna Benth. ex Eichl.
Flacourtia edulis Schumach. & Thonn.
Flacourtia elegans Tul.
Flacourtia elliptica Warb.
Flacourtia euphlebia.
Flacourtia ferox Wall. ex Voigt.
Flacourtia flavescens Willd.
Flacourtia flexuosa H.B. & K.
Flacourtia gambecola Clos.
Flacourtia helferi Gamble ex Ridl.
Flacourtia heterophylla Turcz.
Flacourtia hilsenbergii C.Presl.
Flacourtia hirtiuscula Oliv.
Flacourtia indica.
Flacourtia inermis.
Flacourtia integrifolia Merr.
Flacourtia jangomas.
Flacourtia japonica Hort. ex Lavall.
Flacourtia kelampagine Eeden.
Flacourtia kinabaluensis Sleumer.
Flacourtia kirkii Burtt Davy.
Flacourtia lanceolata Slooten.
Flacourtia latifolia T.Cooke.
Flacourtia lenis Craib.
Flacourtia lucida Salisb.
Flacourtia ludiifolia H.Perrier.
Flacourtia magallanensis Elmer.
Flacourtia megaphylla Ridl.
Flacourtia mollipila Sleumer.
Flacourtia mollis Hook.f. & Thomson
Flacourtia montana Zipp. ex Span.
Flacourtia nitida Benth.
Flacourtia nivea Moon
Flacourtia obcordata Roxb.
Flacourtia obtusa Hochst. ex Clos
Flacourtia obtusata Hochst. ex A.Rich.
Flacourtia occidentalis Blatt.
Flacourtia oppositifolia Gagnep.
Flacourtia ovata Gillespie
Flacourtia papuana Pulle
Flacourtia parviflora Blanco
Flacourtia parvifolia Merr.
Flacourtia peninsularis Elmer ex Merr.
Flacourtia perrottetiana Clos.
Flacourtia prunifolia H.B. & K.
Flacourtia quintuplinervis Turcz.
Flacourtia racemosa Siebold & Zucc.
Flacourtia ramontchi
Flacourtia rhamnoides Burclt. ex DC.
Flacourtia rindjanica Slooten.
Flacourtia rotundifolia Roxb.
Flacourtia rukam.
Flacourtia sapida Roxb.
Flacourtia spiculifera Tul.
Flacourtia stigmarota Wall.
Flacourtia subintegra A.C.Sm.
Flacourtia sulcata Elmer.
Flacourtia sumatrana Planch. ex Hook.f.
Flacourtia territorialis Airy Shaw.
Flacourtia thorelii Gagnep.
Flacourtia timorensis Zipp. ex Span.
Flacourtia tomentella Miq.
Flacourtia tomentosa C.Presl.
Flacourtia velutina Tul.
Flacourtia vitiensis (Seem.) A.C.Sm.
Flacourtia vogelii Hook.f.
Flacourtia wightiana Wall.
Flacourtia zippelii Slooten
F. sepiaria is a species found from the Punjab
eastward to Bihar, the Deccan and the southern
Peninsula. This plant is an erect branched, more or less
spiny busy shrub of small tree, growing to a height of 3
meters. Spins are slender and scattered, up to 2 cm long.
A small shrub bearing purplish, sweetish fruit about the
size of a small cherry, and is edible. Fruit of the plant is
red or brown, dark pinky when ripe. Again its fruit has
a pleasant, subacid flavor when perfectly ripe, but the
unripe fruit is extremely astringent. The bark of F.
sepiaria is yellowish-red thin. This tree yields an
antidote to snake-bites from an infusion of the leaves
and roots: the bark triturated in sesamum oil is used as a
liniment in rheumatism. However its allied species i.e.,
90
Sanjeeb Kumar Patro et al., Sch. Acad. J. Pharm., 2013; 2(2):81-88
F. indica are given in jaundice and enlarged spleen.
After child birth among the poor the seeds are grind to
powder with turmeric and rubbed all over the body to
prevent rheumatic pains from exposure to damp winds.
Gum is administered along with other ingredients in
cholera [7].
Trees or shrubs, deciduous or rarely evergreen,
dioecious, rarely polygamous. Leaves alternate, rarely
subopposite, usually petiolate, simple; stipules
persistent or caducous. Catkins erect or pendulous; each
flower usually with a cupular disc or 1 or 2(or 3)
nectariferous glands. Male flowers with 2-many
stamens; filaments filiform, free or united; to connate;
anthers 2(or 4) -loculed, dehiscing longitudinally.
Female flowers with 1 pistil, sessile or stipitate; ovary
superior, 1- or 2-loculed; ovules several to many,
anatropous, with a 1 integument; style 1, 2 in Chosenia;
stigmas 2-4. Capsule dehiscing by 2-4(or 5) valves;
placenta and inside wall of ovary with long hairs.Seeds
4-numerous, glabrous; hairs and seeds simultaneously
deciduous when capsule matures. Three genera and
about 620 species: mainly N hemisphere, a few in S
hemisphere; three genera and 347 species (236
endemic) in China, including at least nine hybrids and
at least one introduced speies.
Phytochemical studies
From literature, there is presence of one
phytochemical constitute i.e., phenolic glycoside was
established where as phytochemical studies carried out
on Flacourtia indica have reported the identification of
some phytoconstituents like: Phenolic glycosides,
lignan and sterol like β-sitosterol, polysaccharide,
Flavonoids and Condensed tannins, Alkaloids,
terpenoids and sugars, Coumarin such as scoparone and
aesculetin ,other compounds like Flacourtin,
Pyrocatechol, Homaloside D, Poliothrysoside, βsitosterol, β-D-glucopyranoside, Ramantoside &
Butyrolactone lignan disaccharides.
Folkloric / ethnomedicinal claims:
In Madagascar, the bark triturated in sesamum
oil is used as aliniment in rheumatism and
gout.
As an antidote to snake –bites from an infusion
of the leaves and roots.
In indo china, the liquid from the infusion the
roosted or grilled leaves given to women after
parturition.
The ashes of the roots are used for kidney
ailment.
The fruit is used for appetizing, carminative,
bilious disorders and to relieve nausea and
vomiting.
The leaves are useful in pruritus scabies.
The fruit is a pleasant, acidic taste and is very
refreshing.
Dried leaves are used in asthma, bronchitis
and hepatic disorders.
Edible uses
food by local people.
Useful parts
: In India, fruits consumed as
: Leaves, barks and roots.
: Fruit is astringent.
: Dried leaves considered
carminative, tonic and astringent.
Mode of application
: External / Internal.
THERAPEUTIC USES:
The leaves and barks of F. sepiaria are used as
various disorders like liver disorder, rheumatoid
arthritis and treatment of gout. However, its allied
species i.e., the roots of F. indica are sweet, refrigerant,
depurative, alexipharmic and diuretic. They are useful
in vitiated conditions of pitta and vata apathies,
poisonous bites, skin diseases, pruritus, erysipelas,
strangury, nephropathy and psychopathy. The leaves are
useful in pruritus and scabies. The fruits are sweet,
appetizer, digestive and diuretic, and are useful in
stranguery jaundice, gastropathy and splenomegaly.
PHARMACOLOGICAL ACTIVITIES:
`From
the
literatures,
only
one
pharmacological activity was established for F.sepiaria.
However, the various pharmacological activities of its
other allied species i.e., F. indica and F. jangomas as
imbibed from literatures are accounted as follows.
In vitro Antioxidant Activity [9]
Tyagi et al. reported screening of in vitro
antioxidant activity on F. indica leaves. The results of
phytochemical tests showed the presence of alkaloids,
tannins, saponins, flavonoids, glycosides, phenolic
compounds, terpenoids and steroids. The antioxidant
activity was evaluated using methanolic and aqueous
extracts. F. indica was found to possess potent free
radical scavenging and antioxidant activity.
Hepatoprotective Activity [10,11,12]
Varkey et al. [10] reported that F. indica leaves
possess activity methotrexate induced hepatotoxicity on
rats. The acute toxicity study was performed in
petroleum ether extract of aerial parts, results indicated
that dose of 1750 mg/ kg was tolerated in mice.
Methotrexate induced hepatotoxicity characterized by
significant alterations in marker enzymes for liver
function and oxidative stress were observed. F. indica
treatment in a dose of 350mg/kg orally for 5 days
significantly improved level of marker enzymes for
liver function and oxidative stress. Histopathological
studies revealed a relative degree of reversal of
Methotrexate induced necrosis was observed.
Nazneen et al. [11] reported hepatoprotective
properties of the petroleum ether, ethyl acetate and
91
Sanjeeb Kumar Patro et al., Sch. Acad. J. Pharm., 2013; 2(2):81-88
methanol extracts of aerial parts of F. indica in rat
models. The significant reduction of the SGOT and
SGPT were exhibited by petroleum ether and ethyl
acetate extracts at a single oral dose of 1.5 g/kg of body
weight with a reduction of 29.0% SGOT & 24.0%
SGPT level by petroleum ether extract, and 10.57%
SGOT & 6.7% SGPT level by ethyl acetate extract
when compared to paracetamol (3 g/kg of body weight)
treated animals. Petroleum ether and ethyl acetate
extracts showed good recovery of paracetamol induced
necrosis in histopathological examination. The
methanol extract obtained by successive cold extraction
did not show any remarkable effect. It was reported
that hepatoprotective effects exhibited by petroleum
ether and ethyl acetate extract might be mediated by the
inhibition of microsomal drug metabolizing enzymes.
Gnanaprakash
et
al.
[12]
reported
hepatoprotective activity of aqueous extract of leaves of
F. indica against carbon tetrachloride induced
hepatotoxicity. Animals were pretreated with the
aqueous extract of F. indica (250 & 500 mg/kg body
weight) for one week and then challenged with CCl4
(1.5 ml/kg BW) in olive oil (1:1, v/v) on 7th day. Serum
marker enzymes (ALP, AST, ALT, Total protein, Total
Bilirubin) and TBARS level were estimated in all the
study groups. Alteration in the levels of biochemical
markers of hepatic damage like AST, ALT, ALP, Total
Protein, Total Bilirubin and lipid peroxides (TBARS)
were tested in both CCl4 treated and extract.
Antimalarial Activity [13]
A M Kaou et al. [13] reported phytochemical
studies on the aerial parts of F.indica and investigated
three compounds pyrocatechol, homaloside D and
poliothrysoside isolated from this plant. The in vitro
antiplasmodial activity on the chloroquine-resistant
strain of Plasmodium falciparum and the cytotoxicity
on two complementary human cells lines (THP1,
HepG2), of AcOEt extract obtained after liquid/liquid
extraction of the decoction and pure compounds were
evaluated. The results elucidated as the poliothrysoside
isolated from the extract had strong antiplasmodial
activity and a good selectivity index (>28) similar to
chloroquine.
Antibacterial Activity [14]
G C Sarker et al. [14] reported in vitro
antibacterial screening by disc diffusion method against
two Gram positive and two Gram negative bacteria by
chloroform soluble fraction of Flacourtia jangomas and
Flacourtia sepiaria. Chloroform fraction of Flacourtia
indica found to possess no activity against E. coli and
Bacillus cereus.
Anti-Diabetic Activity [15]
A K singh et al. [15] investigated the acute and
subacute antidiabetic effect of the two different doses
(200 and 400 mg/kg b.w.) of Flacourtia jangomas
extracts in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats. Fasting
blood glucose level, body weight and serum lipid
profiles were evaluated in normal and diabetic rats. The
extract significantly reduces the fasting blood glucose
level and increases the glycogen level as compared to
diabetic control. Serum lipid profile had shown a
significant improvement in the treatment group.
Anti-Inflammatory and Antimicrobial Activity [16]
S Lalsarea et al. [16] evaluated antiinflammatory activity and antimicrobial activity of
Flacourtia ramontchi by Carrageenan induced rat paw
model and cup and plate method respectively with
chloroform, methanol and hydromethanolic extracts.
The results indicated that all extracts chloroform,
methanol and hydromethanolic of the leaves have antiinflammatory activity. Methanol extract possess broadspectrum antimicrobial activity at concentration 10000
g/ml whereas hydromethanolic and chloroform extracts
having less antimicrobial activity.
Anti-Asthmatic Potential [17]
S Tyagi et al.[17] reported that ethanolic
extract showed anti-ashmatic activity. When guinea
pigs exposed to histamine significant increase in
preconvultion time was observed due to pretreatment
with F. indica. The bronchodilating effect was
comparable to ketotifen fumarate. The antiasthamatic
effect suggested that anti-asthmatic activity could be
due to its bronchodilator and cell stabilising property.
CONCLUSION
Flacourtia sepiaria (Flacourtiaceae) is the
most useful traditional medicinal plant in India.
Although there is no such Phytopharmacological
activities has been carried out but, still it is considered
as a valuable source of unique natural products for
development of medicines and targeting against various
diseases. Each part of its allied species i.e., (leaves,
bark, stem, fruits, root and even whole plant) of
Flacourtia
indica
has
demonstrated
several
pharmacological
activities
including
AntiInflammatory,
Antimicrobial,
Antioxidant,
Hepatoprotective, Antimalarial, Anti-Diabetic, Anti
asthmatic and Antibacterial Activities and Most of
therapeutic effects explained due to the presence of
glycosides, tannins, Sugar, flacourtin, β-sitosterol, βsitosterolβ-D-glucopyranoside,
ramontoside,
butyrolactone lignan disaccharide, coumarin such as
scoparone and aesculetin etc. So its quantification of the
individual phytoconstituents as well as pharmacological
profile based on in vitro, in vivo studies and on clinical
trials should be further investigated.
REFERENCES
1.
2.
Kirtikar KR and Basu BD; Indian Medicinal
Plants, 3rd edition Vol II, Singh and MP Singh
Publications, 1998: 220.
Perry L.M. and Metzger J; Medicinal Plants of
East and Southeast Asia, Attributed Properties
and Uses, The MIT Press Cambridge, 1980:
155.
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Nazneen M, Mazid MA, Kundu JK, Bachar
SC, Rashid MA and Datta BK; Protective
effects of Flacourtia indica aerial parts
extracts
against
paracetamol‐induced
hepatotoxiciy in rats, J Biol Sci.,
2002,11(2):183-187.
4. Satyanarayana V, Kurupadanam GL and
Srimanaraya G; A butyrolactone lignin
disaccharide from Flacourtia ramontchi,
Phytochemistry, 1991, 30:1026-1029.
5. Bhaumik PK, Guha KP, Biswas GK and
Mukherjee B; Flacourtin, a phenolic glucoside
ester from Flacourtia indica, Phytochemistry,
1987, 26:3090-3091.
6. KoKate CK; Pharmacognosy, 18th ed, Nirali
prakashan, 2002:276.
7. Nadkarni KM; Indian Meteria Medica, 2nd
edition vol I, Popular Prakashan pvt.ltd,
Mumbai, 1927: 555.
8. The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India, 1st
edition Part I Volume IV, edition, National
Institute of Science Communication, New
Delhi, 1999: 118-119.
9. Tyagi SN, Rakshit, Singh A, Raghvendra,
Saxena A and Patel BD; In vitro Antioxidant
Activity of Methanolic and Aqueous Extract of
F.indica Merr, American- Eurasian Journal of
Scientific Research, 2010, 5(3):201-206.
10. Vaidyaratnam PS
and Sala AV; Indian
medicinal plants, Vol III, Orient Longman Pvt
Ltd, Chennai, 1999:43-44.
11. Varkey J and Thomas J; Protective effect of
F.indica (burm.F) merr., In Methotrexate
3.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
Induced Hepatotoxicity, An International
Journal of Advances in Pharmaceutical
Sciences, 2011, 2(2 - 3):115- 123.
Gnanaprakash K; Aqueous Extract of F. indica
Prevents Carbon Tetrachloride Induced
Hepatotoxicity in Rat, International Journal of
Biological and Life Sciences, 2010, 6(1):5155.
Kaou AM, Mahiou-Leddet V, Canlet C,
Debrauwer L and Hutter S; Antimalarial
compounds from the aerial parts of Flacourtia
indica
(Flacourtiaceae),
Journal
of
Ethnopharmacology, 2010, 130(2): 272-274.
Sarker GC, Zahan R, Alam BM, Islam MDS,
Mosaddik MA and Haque ME K; Antibacterial
activity of Flacourtia jangomas and Flacourtia
Sepiaria, Int J of Pharm & Life Sci., 2011,
2(7):878-883.
Singh AK and Singh J; Evaluation of antidiabetic potential of leaves and steam of
Flacourtia jangomas in streptozotocininclude
diabetic rats, Indian J Pharmacol, 2010,
42(5):301-305.
Lalsare S, Verma PK, Khatak M, Ranjan S,
Rajurakar S
and Gurav SS; AntiInflammatory and Antimicrobial activity of
Flacourtia Ramontchi Leaves, Int J Drug Dev
& Res., 2011, 3(2):308-313.
Tyagi S, Singh M, Singh D, Yadav I, Singh S
and Mansoori MH; Anti-Asthamatic Potential
of F.indica Merr., African Journal of Basic &
Applied Sciences, 2011, 3(5):201-204.
93
Scholars Academic Journal of Pharmacy (SAJP)
ISSN 2320-4206
Sch. Acad. J. Pharm., 2013; 2(2):89-93
©Scholars Academic and Scientific Publisher
(An International Publisher for Academic and Scientific Resources)
www.saspublisher.com
Review Article
Pharmacological Review of Flacourtia sepiaria (Ruxb.)
Sanjeeb Kumar Patro1*, Padmacharan Behera1, Posa Mahesh Kumar1, D.Sasmal1 , Ranjan Kumar Padhy2, S. K.
Dash2
1
Department of pharmaceutical sciences, BIT, Mesra, Ranchi.835215
2
College of pharmaceutical sciences, Bramhapur (Mohuda), Ganjam, Odisha.760002
*Corresponding author
Sanjeeb Kumar Patro
Email: sanjeeb.sms@gmail.com
Abstract: The medicinal plants are widely used by the traditional medical practitioners for curing various diseases in
their day to day practice. Flacourtia sepiaria (Flacourtiaceae) is the most useful traditional medicinal plant in India.
Although there is no such Phytopharmacological activities has been carried out but, still it is considered as a valuable
source of unique natural products for development of medicines and targeting against various diseases. Each part of its
allied species i.e., (leaves, bark, stem, fruits, root and even whole plant) of the Flacourtia indica has demonstrated
several pharmacological activities including Anti-Inflammatory, Antimicrobial, Antioxidant, Hepatoprotective,
Antimalarial, Anti-Diabetic, Anti asthmatic and Antibacterial Activity. The present review highlights a literature on
botanical and pharmacological discussion of Flacourtia sepiaria.
Keywords: Flacourtia sepiaria, Flacourtia indica, Phytoconstituents, Phytopharmacology, Indigenous medicinal plant.
INTRODUCTION:
A large proportion of the population in many
developing countries relies on traditional herbal
practioners to meet their primary health care needs.
Amidst wide range of availability of modern i.e.
synthetic medicines, herbal medicines more
appropriately the herbal drugs or herbals often retain
their popularity for their intense historical and cultural
values. In view of the increasing demand of these herbal
drugs, the issues regarding their safety, efficacy and
quality maintenance in industrialized and developing
countries as well are cropped up. These herbals and
their isolated compounds i.e. the bio-active principles,
have demonstrated spectra of biological activities.
Therapeutic data on such herbals are much
comprehensive from the medico folk lore literatures of
many regions as recorded from time to time.
Flacourtia sepiaria (Ruxb.), synonym of
Flacourtia indica (Burm. f.) Merr, Flacourtia ramontchi
L’Herit. (Family- Flacourtiaceae), commonly known as
‘Tuturi’ or ‘Bainchi’ or ‘Katai’. It is an indigenous
medicinal plant widely distributed in India and
Bangladesh [1]. This plant has been reported as an
answer for the treatment of functional disorders like
rheumatoid arthritis and gout. The areal part of plant
i.e., its fruits are edible; the bark triturated in sesamum
oil is used as aliniment in rheumatism. This tree yields
an antidote to snake –bites from an infusion of the
leaves and roots. In indo china, the liquid from the
infusion the roosted or grilled leaves of Flacourtia
sepiaria given to women after parturition [2]. The allied
species of the plant fruits are used as appetizing,
diuretic, and digestive, in jaundice and enlarged spleen.
Barks are used for the treatment of intermittent fever.
Roots are used in nephritic colic and gum is used in
cholera [1, 3]. Previous Phytochemical investigation on
its allied species of plant (F. indica) resulted in the
isolatation of β-sitosterol (a well-known phytosterol), βsitosterol-βDglucopyranoside,
ramontoside,
butyrolactone lignan disaccharide, flacourtin, coumarin
such as scoparone and aesculetin [3-5]. Thin layer
chromatographic
screening
and
isolation
of
phytochemicals from F. indica showed the presence of
flavonoids, poly phenols and other compounds [3-6].
PLANT DESCRIPTION:
1.1.1. Family : Salicaceae
1.2. Taxonomy:
Domain
: Eukaryota
Kingdom
: Plantae
Subkingdom
: Viridaeplantae
Phylum
: Tracheophyta
Subphylum
: Euphyllophytina
Infraphylum
: Radiatopses
Class
: Magnoliopsida
Subclass
: Rosidae
Superorder
: Violanae
Order
: Malpighiales
Family
: Salicaceae
Tribe
: Flacourtieae
Genus
: Flacourtia
Specific epithet : sepiaria - Roxb.
Botanical name : Flacourtia sepiaria Roxb.
Vernacular Names:
Hindi. : kondai
Eng. : Governors Plum, Madaraskara Plum
Ori.
: Tuturi.
Sansk. : kinkini.
Guj.
: Kankata
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Sanjeeb Kumar Patro et al., Sch. Acad. J. Pharm., 2013; 2(2):81-88
Kan.
Mal.
Mar.
Punj.
Tam.
Tel.
: Llumanika, Dodda Gejjalakai
: Conoron.
: Kaker, Bhekal.
: kingaro, sherwam
: Sottaikala, Kanru, Kattukala.
: Conrew, Mulu Tiruman.
Related Species of F. sepiaria
Flacourtia afra Pic.Serm.
Flacourtia amalotricha A.C.Sm.
Flacourtia amara Span.
Flacourtia aulakocarpa Hassk.
Flacourtia balansae Gagnep.
Flacourtia benthamii Tul.
Flacourtia calophylla Benth. ex Eichl.
Flacourtia campbelliana Roxb.
Flacourtia camptoceras Miq.
Flacourtia cataphracta.
Flacourtia cavaleriei H.Lév.
Flacourtia celastrina H.B. & K.
Flacourtia cerasifera Zippel. ex Slooten.
Flacourtia chinensis Clos.
Flacourtia cinerea H.B. & K. ex Hemsl.
Flacourtia cordata H.B. & K.
Flacourtia cordifolia Roxb.
Flacourtia corollata Blanco.
Flacourtia crenata Wall.
Flacourtia cuphlebia Merr.
Flacourtia degenori A.C.Sm.
Flacourtia digyna Benth. ex Eichl.
Flacourtia edulis Schumach. & Thonn.
Flacourtia elegans Tul.
Flacourtia elliptica Warb.
Flacourtia euphlebia.
Flacourtia ferox Wall. ex Voigt.
Flacourtia flavescens Willd.
Flacourtia flexuosa H.B. & K.
Flacourtia gambecola Clos.
Flacourtia helferi Gamble ex Ridl.
Flacourtia heterophylla Turcz.
Flacourtia hilsenbergii C.Presl.
Flacourtia hirtiuscula Oliv.
Flacourtia indica.
Flacourtia inermis.
Flacourtia integrifolia Merr.
Flacourtia jangomas.
Flacourtia japonica Hort. ex Lavall.
Flacourtia kelampagine Eeden.
Flacourtia kinabaluensis Sleumer.
Flacourtia kirkii Burtt Davy.
Flacourtia lanceolata Slooten.
Flacourtia latifolia T.Cooke.
Flacourtia lenis Craib.
Flacourtia lucida Salisb.
Flacourtia ludiifolia H.Perrier.
Flacourtia magallanensis Elmer.
Flacourtia megaphylla Ridl.
Flacourtia mollipila Sleumer.
Flacourtia mollis Hook.f. & Thomson
Flacourtia montana Zipp. ex Span.
Flacourtia nitida Benth.
Flacourtia nivea Moon
Flacourtia obcordata Roxb.
Flacourtia obtusa Hochst. ex Clos
Flacourtia obtusata Hochst. ex A.Rich.
Flacourtia occidentalis Blatt.
Flacourtia oppositifolia Gagnep.
Flacourtia ovata Gillespie
Flacourtia papuana Pulle
Flacourtia parviflora Blanco
Flacourtia parvifolia Merr.
Flacourtia peninsularis Elmer ex Merr.
Flacourtia perrottetiana Clos.
Flacourtia prunifolia H.B. & K.
Flacourtia quintuplinervis Turcz.
Flacourtia racemosa Siebold & Zucc.
Flacourtia ramontchi
Flacourtia rhamnoides Burclt. ex DC.
Flacourtia rindjanica Slooten.
Flacourtia rotundifolia Roxb.
Flacourtia rukam.
Flacourtia sapida Roxb.
Flacourtia spiculifera Tul.
Flacourtia stigmarota Wall.
Flacourtia subintegra A.C.Sm.
Flacourtia sulcata Elmer.
Flacourtia sumatrana Planch. ex Hook.f.
Flacourtia territorialis Airy Shaw.
Flacourtia thorelii Gagnep.
Flacourtia timorensis Zipp. ex Span.
Flacourtia tomentella Miq.
Flacourtia tomentosa C.Presl.
Flacourtia velutina Tul.
Flacourtia vitiensis (Seem.) A.C.Sm.
Flacourtia vogelii Hook.f.
Flacourtia wightiana Wall.
Flacourtia zippelii Slooten
F. sepiaria is a species found from the Punjab
eastward to Bihar, the Deccan and the southern
Peninsula. This plant is an erect branched, more or less
spiny busy shrub of small tree, growing to a height of 3
meters. Spins are slender and scattered, up to 2 cm long.
A small shrub bearing purplish, sweetish fruit about the
size of a small cherry, and is edible. Fruit of the plant is
red or brown, dark pinky when ripe. Again its fruit has
a pleasant, subacid flavor when perfectly ripe, but the
unripe fruit is extremely astringent. The bark of F.
sepiaria is yellowish-red thin. This tree yields an
antidote to snake-bites from an infusion of the leaves
and roots: the bark triturated in sesamum oil is used as a
liniment in rheumatism. However its allied species i.e.,
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Sanjeeb Kumar Patro et al., Sch. Acad. J. Pharm., 2013; 2(2):81-88
F. indica are given in jaundice and enlarged spleen.
After child birth among the poor the seeds are grind to
powder with turmeric and rubbed all over the body to
prevent rheumatic pains from exposure to damp winds.
Gum is administered along with other ingredients in
cholera [7].
Trees or shrubs, deciduous or rarely evergreen,
dioecious, rarely polygamous. Leaves alternate, rarely
subopposite, usually petiolate, simple; stipules
persistent or caducous. Catkins erect or pendulous; each
flower usually with a cupular disc or 1 or 2(or 3)
nectariferous glands. Male flowers with 2-many
stamens; filaments filiform, free or united; to connate;
anthers 2(or 4) -loculed, dehiscing longitudinally.
Female flowers with 1 pistil, sessile or stipitate; ovary
superior, 1- or 2-loculed; ovules several to many,
anatropous, with a 1 integument; style 1, 2 in Chosenia;
stigmas 2-4. Capsule dehiscing by 2-4(or 5) valves;
placenta and inside wall of ovary with long hairs.Seeds
4-numerous, glabrous; hairs and seeds simultaneously
deciduous when capsule matures. Three genera and
about 620 species: mainly N hemisphere, a few in S
hemisphere; three genera and 347 species (236
endemic) in China, including at least nine hybrids and
at least one introduced speies.
Phytochemical studies
From literature, there is presence of one
phytochemical constitute i.e., phenolic glycoside was
established where as phytochemical studies carried out
on Flacourtia indica have reported the identification of
some phytoconstituents like: Phenolic glycosides,
lignan and sterol like β-sitosterol, polysaccharide,
Flavonoids and Condensed tannins, Alkaloids,
terpenoids and sugars, Coumarin such as scoparone and
aesculetin ,other compounds like Flacourtin,
Pyrocatechol, Homaloside D, Poliothrysoside, βsitosterol, β-D-glucopyranoside, Ramantoside &
Butyrolactone lignan disaccharides.
Folkloric / ethnomedicinal claims:
In Madagascar, the bark triturated in sesamum
oil is used as aliniment in rheumatism and
gout.
As an antidote to snake –bites from an infusion
of the leaves and roots.
In indo china, the liquid from the infusion the
roosted or grilled leaves given to women after
parturition.
The ashes of the roots are used for kidney
ailment.
The fruit is used for appetizing, carminative,
bilious disorders and to relieve nausea and
vomiting.
The leaves are useful in pruritus scabies.
The fruit is a pleasant, acidic taste and is very
refreshing.
Dried leaves are used in asthma, bronchitis
and hepatic disorders.
Edible uses
food by local people.
Useful parts
: In India, fruits consumed as
: Leaves, barks and roots.
: Fruit is astringent.
: Dried leaves considered
carminative, tonic and astringent.
Mode of application
: External / Internal.
THERAPEUTIC USES:
The leaves and barks of F. sepiaria are used as
various disorders like liver disorder, rheumatoid
arthritis and treatment of gout. However, its allied
species i.e., the roots of F. indica are sweet, refrigerant,
depurative, alexipharmic and diuretic. They are useful
in vitiated conditions of pitta and vata apathies,
poisonous bites, skin diseases, pruritus, erysipelas,
strangury, nephropathy and psychopathy. The leaves are
useful in pruritus and scabies. The fruits are sweet,
appetizer, digestive and diuretic, and are useful in
stranguery jaundice, gastropathy and splenomegaly.
PHARMACOLOGICAL ACTIVITIES:
`From
the
literatures,
only
one
pharmacological activity was established for F.sepiaria.
However, the various pharmacological activities of its
other allied species i.e., F. indica and F. jangomas as
imbibed from literatures are accounted as follows.
In vitro Antioxidant Activity [9]
Tyagi et al. reported screening of in vitro
antioxidant activity on F. indica leaves. The results of
phytochemical tests showed the presence of alkaloids,
tannins, saponins, flavonoids, glycosides, phenolic
compounds, terpenoids and steroids. The antioxidant
activity was evaluated using methanolic and aqueous
extracts. F. indica was found to possess potent free
radical scavenging and antioxidant activity.
Hepatoprotective Activity [10,11,12]
Varkey et al. [10] reported that F. indica leaves
possess activity methotrexate induced hepatotoxicity on
rats. The acute toxicity study was performed in
petroleum ether extract of aerial parts, results indicated
that dose of 1750 mg/ kg was tolerated in mice.
Methotrexate induced hepatotoxicity characterized by
significant alterations in marker enzymes for liver
function and oxidative stress were observed. F. indica
treatment in a dose of 350mg/kg orally for 5 days
significantly improved level of marker enzymes for
liver function and oxidative stress. Histopathological
studies revealed a relative degree of reversal of
Methotrexate induced necrosis was observed.
Nazneen et al. [11] reported hepatoprotective
properties of the petroleum ether, ethyl acetate and
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Sanjeeb Kumar Patro et al., Sch. Acad. J. Pharm., 2013; 2(2):81-88
methanol extracts of aerial parts of F. indica in rat
models. The significant reduction of the SGOT and
SGPT were exhibited by petroleum ether and ethyl
acetate extracts at a single oral dose of 1.5 g/kg of body
weight with a reduction of 29.0% SGOT & 24.0%
SGPT level by petroleum ether extract, and 10.57%
SGOT & 6.7% SGPT level by ethyl acetate extract
when compared to paracetamol (3 g/kg of body weight)
treated animals. Petroleum ether and ethyl acetate
extracts showed good recovery of paracetamol induced
necrosis in histopathological examination. The
methanol extract obtained by successive cold extraction
did not show any remarkable effect. It was reported
that hepatoprotective effects exhibited by petroleum
ether and ethyl acetate extract might be mediated by the
inhibition of microsomal drug metabolizing enzymes.
Gnanaprakash
et
al.
[12]
reported
hepatoprotective activity of aqueous extract of leaves of
F. indica against carbon tetrachloride induced
hepatotoxicity. Animals were pretreated with the
aqueous extract of F. indica (250 & 500 mg/kg body
weight) for one week and then challenged with CCl4
(1.5 ml/kg BW) in olive oil (1:1, v/v) on 7th day. Serum
marker enzymes (ALP, AST, ALT, Total protein, Total
Bilirubin) and TBARS level were estimated in all the
study groups. Alteration in the levels of biochemical
markers of hepatic damage like AST, ALT, ALP, Total
Protein, Total Bilirubin and lipid peroxides (TBARS)
were tested in both CCl4 treated and extract.
Antimalarial Activity [13]
A M Kaou et al. [13] reported phytochemical
studies on the aerial parts of F.indica and investigated
three compounds pyrocatechol, homaloside D and
poliothrysoside isolated from this plant. The in vitro
antiplasmodial activity on the chloroquine-resistant
strain of Plasmodium falciparum and the cytotoxicity
on two complementary human cells lines (THP1,
HepG2), of AcOEt extract obtained after liquid/liquid
extraction of the decoction and pure compounds were
evaluated. The results elucidated as the poliothrysoside
isolated from the extract had strong antiplasmodial
activity and a good selectivity index (>28) similar to
chloroquine.
Antibacterial Activity [14]
G C Sarker et al. [14] reported in vitro
antibacterial screening by disc diffusion method against
two Gram positive and two Gram negative bacteria by
chloroform soluble fraction of Flacourtia jangomas and
Flacourtia sepiaria. Chloroform fraction of Flacourtia
indica found to possess no activity against E. coli and
Bacillus cereus.
Anti-Diabetic Activity [15]
A K singh et al. [15] investigated the acute and
subacute antidiabetic effect of the two different doses
(200 and 400 mg/kg b.w.) of Flacourtia jangomas
extracts in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats. Fasting
blood glucose level, body weight and serum lipid
profiles were evaluated in normal and diabetic rats. The
extract significantly reduces the fasting blood glucose
level and increases the glycogen level as compared to
diabetic control. Serum lipid profile had shown a
significant improvement in the treatment group.
Anti-Inflammatory and Antimicrobial Activity [16]
S Lalsarea et al. [16] evaluated antiinflammatory activity and antimicrobial activity of
Flacourtia ramontchi by Carrageenan induced rat paw
model and cup and plate method respectively with
chloroform, methanol and hydromethanolic extracts.
The results indicated that all extracts chloroform,
methanol and hydromethanolic of the leaves have antiinflammatory activity. Methanol extract possess broadspectrum antimicrobial activity at concentration 10000
g/ml whereas hydromethanolic and chloroform extracts
having less antimicrobial activity.
Anti-Asthmatic Potential [17]
S Tyagi et al.[17] reported that ethanolic
extract showed anti-ashmatic activity. When guinea
pigs exposed to histamine significant increase in
preconvultion time was observed due to pretreatment
with F. indica. The bronchodilating effect was
comparable to ketotifen fumarate. The antiasthamatic
effect suggested that anti-asthmatic activity could be
due to its bronchodilator and cell stabilising property.
CONCLUSION
Flacourtia sepiaria (Flacourtiaceae) is the
most useful traditional medicinal plant in India.
Although there is no such Phytopharmacological
activities has been carried out but, still it is considered
as a valuable source of unique natural products for
development of medicines and targeting against various
diseases. Each part of its allied species i.e., (leaves,
bark, stem, fruits, root and even whole plant) of
Flacourtia
indica
has
demonstrated
several
pharmacological
activities
including
AntiInflammatory,
Antimicrobial,
Antioxidant,
Hepatoprotective, Antimalarial, Anti-Diabetic, Anti
asthmatic and Antibacterial Activities and Most of
therapeutic effects explained due to the presence of
glycosides, tannins, Sugar, flacourtin, β-sitosterol, βsitosterolβ-D-glucopyranoside,
ramontoside,
butyrolactone lignan disaccharide, coumarin such as
scoparone and aesculetin etc. So its quantification of the
individual phytoconstituents as well as pharmacological
profile based on in vitro, in vivo studies and on clinical
trials should be further investigated.
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