ETHNOMEDICAL PROFILES OF DIFFERENT PLANT PARTS OF CATHARANTHUS ROSEUS L. - A REVIEW

Abstract

Ethnopharmacological knowledge is based on traditional and conceptual base but lack documentation and scientific evidences. Researchers are blending traditional knowledge with experimental methodology for testing efficacy and safety of these herbal remedies. Catharanthus roseus L. (Nayantara locally) is an important medicinal plant for novel pharmaceuticals belongings to the family of Apocynaceae found all over Bangladesh. It has long been used in different systems of medicine in the treatment of cancer, diabetics, high blood pressure, anti-inflammatory, dysentery, brain stimulatory actions, anti-angiogenesis effects, anti-malarial also potent anti-microbial activities. However, the present comprehensive review deals with the enormous amount of scientific research and reports available in different aspects of this plant involving phytochemistry, traditional usages and pharmacology.

KEYWORDS: Catharanthus roseus, phytochemistry, traditional usages, pharmacology.