Phytochemistry and pharmacology of traditionally used medicinal plant Cordia dichotoma Linn (Boraginaceae)

Cordia dichotoma is a tall tree which grows in Sri Lanka, India and other warmer countries. Its medicinal properties are known since long time and it is traditionally used to cure several ailments. Its fruits are used as expectorant, astringent, coolant, emollient, purgative and anthelmintic. Anti-inflammatory, analgesic, hepatoprotective and several other pharmacological activities have also been reported from the plant. Aim of the current review was focused on the assessment of its present medicinal uses, phytochemistry and pharmacology in order to reveal its complete pharmacological and therapeutic potentials. Literature survey performed on electronic sources, scientific journals as well as books showed that this plant is of an enormous value because of its various potent pharmacological actions shown by it and several pharmacologically active principles like apigenin, arabinoglucan, quercetin which have been isolated from it. It will be certainly valuable to explore it for further research to be carried out on this medicinal plant.