Traditional uses, chemistry and pharmacological activities of Leea indica (Burm. f.) Merr.(Vitaceae): A comprehensive review

Abstract

Plants have been used for various purposes of humans including medicinal purposes since time immemorial. Plants are an integral part of traditional medicine. Leea indica (Burm.f.) is a large shrub and belongs to the family Vitaceae. The plant L. indica is used traditionally in various countries of the world such as India, Malaysia, Thailand, Nepal, and Indonesia. The plant is used as a remedy for ailments such as diarrhea, dysentery, diabetes, bone fracture, body ache, fever, and wound treatment. Phytochemical groups such as alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenoids, glycosides, saponins, and steroids and compounds, namely, quercetin, gallic acid, lupeol, β-sitosterol, ursolic acid, mollic acid arabinoside, and mollic acid xyloside have been identified in various parts of the plant. Literature survey carried on biological activities of L. indica revealed that the plant showed bioactivities such as antimicrobial, antioxidant, cytotoxic, enzyme inhibitory, analgesic, hepatoprotective, hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic, and antidiarrheal activity. The observed bioactivities of the plant might be related to the presence of bioactive phytoconstituents as compounds such as gallic acid, quercetin, mollic acid arabinoside, and mollic acid xyloside are known to exhibit marked pharmacological activities.