Ethnomedicinal Uses, Phytochemistry and Pharmacological Activities of Pittosporum floribundum Wight. & Arn. – A Review

Objectives: Pittosporum floribundum Wight & Arn. (Pittosporaceae) has been associated with many therapeutic claims, especially for its ethnomedicinal and economical uses. In this review, an extensive literature survey was carried out to compile information available about its medicinal uses, phytochemistry and pharmacological properties.

Materials and Methods: Ethnobotanical uses of P. floribundum reported in available books on ethnobotany and ethnomedicinal research articles have been compiled. The obtained data are arranged in a tabular form, enlisting its local names, their area of presence and parts used. Therapeutic indications, external or internal dosage form and usage of the drug are also noted.

Results and Discussion: It was found that stem bark, leaves, and root of P. floribundum are used to combat itching, rheumatism, leprosy, sprain, eczema, arthritis, diabetes, chest pain and antidote for snake bite. Bark has maximum applications in leprosy, and sprain. The extracts of the different parts were subjected to phytochemical screening for the presence of phytoconstituents such as alkaloids, flavonoids, phenols, lignins, anthroquinones, steroids, tannins, saponins, fixed oils and glycosides. Studies have shown that the methanolic extract of bark having promising antifungal, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, hepatoprotective, neuropharmacological and behaviour activities.

Conclusion: P. floribundum has multifaceted uses in varied aspects thus underlining its significance. Reported claimed anti-bacterial and anti-oxidant activities can be further strengthened through pharmacological and clinical studies to establish the ethnic claims like leprosy, sprain, bruises, sciatica, pulmonary affection and phthisis.