Dillenia indica: A Review on Morphology, Phytochemistry and Pharmacological Aspects

This review gives an account of the current knowledge on Morphology, Phytochemistry and Pharmacological aspects of Dillenia indica. D. indica also known as Elephant Apple is an evergreen large shrub or small to medium-sized tree growing to 15 m tall. Wide variety of phytoconstituents such as Polysaccharides, Flavonoids and Triterpenoids were isolated. Fruits of Dillenia indica were given importance in Ayurveda for alleviating pitta and kapha. It is used in food poisoning, fever, cough and as astringent.

D. indica shows several other characteristic pharmacological activities like Anti-inflammatory, Antimicrobial, Antileukemic, Hepatoprotective and Antidiarrhoeal. Hence the present article includes detailed exploration of Morphology, Phytochemistry and Pharmacological aspects of Dillenia indica in an attempt to provide direction for further research.