Publication

Abstract : Wrightia tinctoria R.Br. (Wt) belonging to the family Apocynaceae is a small deciduous tree distributed in central and peninsular India. Traditionally, the plant is used to treat jaundice, seizures, wounds, leukaemia, gynaecological disorders, toothache, headache, dandruff, diarrhea and skin disorders like psoriasis, eczema, scabies etc. The phytochemical studies have shown the presence of alkaloids, triterpenoids, steroids, flavonoids, lipids and carbohydrates. Wt showed wide spectrum of pharmacological activities such as anti-microbial, anti-psoriatic, anti-diarrheal, anti-helminthic, anti-oxidant, anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory analgesic, anti-diabetic, diuretic, hepatoprotective, and anti-ulcer properties. In ayurvedic system, the principle of drug action of Wt is described as tikta, kashaya, rooksha, sita and katu. The toxicological profile shows this plant to be safe and tolerable which substantiates its usage as traditional medicine in its crude form. Till date, there is a void in comprehensive knowledge on Wrightia tinctoria R.Br. A thorough literature survey was done on all aspects and the available information was collected via electronic search which roughly covers literature from 1960 to 2012. The aim of this review is to provide comprehensive information on the biology, phytochemistry, pharmacology, toxicological profile of Wt and serve as a common platform for further scientific research.