Review on Ethnomedicinal Claims of Erythroxylum moonii Hochr

Abstract

Introduction: Since ancient times, plants contributed in the treatment of multiple disease conditions due to their immense therapeutic claims and currently serve as the principal origin of various medicinal preparations. The aim of present study is to agglomerate all available ethnomedicinal information and research updates pertaining to Erythroxylum moonii Hochr. that is used by traditional health practitioners. Materials and Methods: Reported ethnomedicinal uses of E. moonii were reviewed with the use of books and research articles with especial relevance to ethnobotany and ethnomedicine from December 2019 to September 2020. Information was categorized as per vernacular names, locality, used parts, therapeutic claims, type and mode of administration along with the ingredients and dosage forms of the preparations. Results: Erythroxylum moonii is reported in 3 countries and 2 states of India for its presence and it is observed that the plant has been utilized for therapeutic purpose as food preparations and medicinal preparations only in Sri Lanka. Its leaves (majorly) and stem bark are used in 5 different disease conditions either internally or externally. Maximum number of claims are indicated in the management of worm infestation. Among them, the leaves have the maximum application on 4 disease conditions followed by stem bark which has only one. Resent research activities have revealed the presence of anti-fungal and anti-nematodal activities of E. moonii. Conclusion: Conducting provable scientific studies (pharmacological and clinical) is needed for E. moonii to establish its multiple ethnomedicinal claims.