THE WONDERS OF A MEDICINAL TREE: HOLOPTELEA INTEGRIFOLIA (ROXB.) PLANCH

In this busy era of herbal sciences, extensive study is being carried out on numerous plants to find novel drugs among which Holoptelea integrifolia Roxb. (Indian Elm) tree is just one of them. The age old knowledge ethnopharmacological significance, especially the stem, bark and leaves is well recognized in several Siddha, Ayurvedic, Unani literature. The plant parts are extensively used for its astringent, anti-inflammatory, digestive, carminative, laxative, depurative and diuretic properties. This plant is bestowed with a plethora of curative principles, namely antiviral, antimicrobial, antifungal, anti-arthritic, antioxidant, wound healing, anti-helminthic, anti-diabetic, anti-diarrheal, antiulcer, antitumor, adaptogenic, analgesic, hepatoprotective, larvicidal activities. Phytochemical investigation confirms the presence of signature chemical constituents such as terpenoids, alkaloids, glycosides, carbohydrates, steroids, sterols, saponins, tannins, proteins and flavonoids. The Recent discovery of antibacterial nature of callus promises of the discovery of callus derived novel antibiotics and unique drugs. The present review sheds light on current research trends in Holoptelea integrifolia with a serious look at its diverse ethnomedical uses as well as its prospect