Pterocarpus angolensis: Botanical, Chemical and Pharmacological Review of an Endangered Medicinal Plant of India

Herbal products for primary health care are gaining huge interests of the people and the various healthcare professionals. This is mainly because of the local availability and cost-effectiveness of plant remedies over expensive modern treatments. Pterocarpus angolensis, a deciduous plant belonging to the family of Fabaceae is mainly found in the tropical regions of Africa. This tree is rich in medicinal properties which are immensely used by the locals in Africa for the treatment of ringworm infections, ulcers, urinary schistosomiasis, skin injury, etc. The extracts of P. angolensis are treasured in Africa for their effectiveness against many diseases like gonorrhea, mouth diseases, diarrhea, etc. It is reported to have inhibitory activity against various pathogens like Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Salmonella typhimurium because of the high concentration of bioactive compounds like flavonoids, tannins, and other phenolic compounds in the bark and leaves of the tree. Various research papers demonstrated the polar and nonpolar constituents of this plant showing antimicrobial, anti-plasmodial activities against Streptococcus agalactiae, Candida krusei, etc. In India, very few of these plants have been reported to be alive in the Darjeeling district, West Bengal. But, lack of proper documentation or research paper led to negligence related to the importance of this species and it has already been listed in the IUCN Red List of threatened species. The main objective of this review is to spread awareness about the conservation of the plant possessing such remarkable properties. Secondly, to provide an overview of the phytochemical screening of various important medicinal constituents that this plant possesses and this might lead to change in the field of modern medicine.