Ethnobotanical, phytochemical, and pharmacological properties of L.

In this review article, the ethnobotanical, phytochemical, and pharmacological properties of L. (Apocynaceae) are discussed. This plant has applications in traditional folk medicine as analgesic, anticonvulsant, a cardiotonic and for hypotensive activity. Phytoconstituents of this plant are secondary metabolites like saponins, terpenoids, and alkaloids along with phenolic acids, flavonoids, cardiac glycosides, steroids, iridoids, lignans, and other compounds. The major phytochemical compounds are cardiac glycosides followed by terpenoids and phenolic acids. Again, the leaf has greater types and numbers of phytochemicals, followed by the fruit, seed, stem, and root. The plant also shows many pharmacological activities such as antioxidant, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, DNA damage protection, and antimicrobial. This review could help researchers in further investigations in these directions.