Phytochemical and Therapeutic Potential of Alstonia scholaris R. Br.- A Magical Traditional Plant

Abstract

Alstonia scholaris R.Br. commonly known as devil tree is a potential medicinal plant belongs to the family Apocynaceae. Endemic to the geographical areas like India, China and Bangladesh. From the ancient times it is an important medicinal plant containing medicinal potential viabilities to treat number of health condition such as stomach ache, diarrhea, abdominal disorders etc. using various preparations like decoctions, powders etc. Its parts can be administered for the treatment of various diseases. The morphological, organoleptic and microscopic characteristics are also established. It is reported to be rich source of alkaloids. Also, it contains chemical constituents like irioids, coumarins, sugars, oils, phenolics etc. The phytochemical constituents contained in each part are described in the present review. The plant was investigated by the scientists, researchers while performing the experiments on animals they concluded that the plant have pharmacological properties such as antimicrobial, antidiarreal, antitussive, antiasthmatic, immunostimulatory, antidiabetic etc. which are discussed in the article.