International Journal of Applied Science and Engineering Research

The ancient system of Indian medicine (Ayurveda) mainly emphasizes on elimination of impurities and increases the resistant power of body. Leptadenia reticulata (Retz.) Wight. & Arn. (Family-Asclepiadaceae) is a woody climber used in medicine from the time of Ayurveda. Leptadenia reticulata is seen in various parts of Asia and Africa. Today there is much interest in natural products with therapeutic activity and Leptadenia reticulata has multiple therapeutic activities due to presence of various phytochemicals. Different parts (leaves, stem, root and even whole plant) of L. reticulata have been used in traditional systems of medicine, which have been found to be effective for the treatment of various ailments. In this review the systematic position, vegetative characters, ecology and distribution, propagation and planting, phytochemistry, economical values and the scope of studies published in favor of therapeutic potential of L. reticulata are discussed.