A review on Decalepis hamiltonii Wight Arn.

Abstract

Decalepis hamiltonii is a climbing shrub with aromatic tuberous roots distributed in Southern parts of Peninsular India. Its tuberous roots are widely used as a health drink and are well known for its medicinal properties. D. hamiltonii is one of the important plants in Ayurvedic system of medicine in India and are used in curing various diseases like stomach disorders, gastric ulcers and to stimulate appetite. This plant has been used in the preparation of several herbal drugs like Amrutamataka taila, Drakshadi churna, Shatavari rasayana and Yeshtimadhu taila. In the present review, traditional uses, uses as food and health drinks, phytochemistry, pharmacology and conservation of this endangered species are highlighted. A number of phytochemical compounds have been isolated from this plant; of these, 2-hydroxy-4-methoxy benzaldehyde (HMB) is an abundant aromatic bioactive compound with greater biological significance. The tubers have antimicrobial, antipyretic, antiulcer, antidiabetic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, chemoprotective, cytoprotective, insecticidal, neuroprotective and hepatoprotective activities. Natural seed germination is very low in this species, that is, 6% because of hard seed coat, less seed dormancy period and due to self-incompatibility. In vivo and in vitro conservation methods have been standardized to this endangered taxon by studying seed germination, field cultivation methods and by developing rapid micropropagation techniques. Among different plant growth regulators tested, 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP) played a significant role in shoot multiplication, whereas, indole-3- butyric acid (IBA) and silver nitrate (AgNO3) influence rooting efficiently. The review aims to provide sufficient baseline information for further works and commercial exploration.  Key words: Decalepis hamiltonii, phytochemistry pharmacology, conservation.