A Review on Pharmacological activities of Colocasia esculenta

Abstract

Mother Nature has always given us essential medicinal plants for long decades. Today modern world has started its dependability on medicinal agents obtained from traditionally used plants. Colocasia esculenta is a magnificent source of fiber and starch, which is responsible for number of health benefits, such as for improved blood sugar levels, for better skin care, helps to reduce obesity. Colocasia esculenta also contains a variety of antioxidants and polyphenols. Leaves are caloriedeficient, rich in proteins, micronutrients, dietary fiber and good carbohydrates which enhance the metabolism of our digestive system and it helps to provide healthy weight loss, even they have abundant presence of anti-nutrients such as tannins, oxalates. It consists of high levels of Vit.E, Vit.C, and Vit. B6 also contributes to maintain a better immune system and may eradicate free radicals. All parts of Colocasia esculenta have essential properties including some levels of toxicity which are overcome by cooking and steamed boiling. It has several health benefits like anti-hepatotoxic and hepatoprotective activity, anti-inflammatory activity, neuropharmacological activity, anti-fungal activity and anti-metastatic activity. In India major Colocasia esculenta production occurs in states like Uttar-Pradesh, Kerala, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Himachal-Pradesh, Gujarat, etc. The present review includes detail study of pharmacological activity of plant- Colocasia esculenta [Taro].