Brief Review of the Genus Diospyros Montana Roxb: Phytopharmacological Properties

Abstract

Diospyros montana Roxb. (F: Ebenaceae) commonly known as Ebony is a species of flowering tree native to India and other countries. These plant part as a whole in used in treatment of several diseases in particular, leaves and bark are used in folk medicine for the treatment of fish poison, anti-inflammatory, anti cancer etc. This present investigation reviews the bioactivity of flavonoids, phenols, carbohydrates, amino acids, protein, saponins, alkaloids, tannins, sterols, anthocyanin and anthraquinones, fixed oils and fats, and their presence in various parts of Diospyros montana. The significant constituent such as Diospyros, Isodiospyrin, Oleanolic acid, quercetin, β-amyrin and kaempferol have been isolated from various parts of the plant is discussed with a detailed description. The narrower approach indicates that Diospyros montana possess various pharmacological activities like antiviral, anticancer, antitumor, antimalarial, anthelmintic, prostaglandin synthesis inhibitory, anti-inflammatory, hypolipidemic, and antileukemic agent and several other important medicinal properties. This review focus on comprehensive and categorized information on the botany, traditional uses, phytochemistry and pharmacological aspects of Diospyros montana which provide valuable information to researchers for continuing further scientific work on this plant.