Ethnomedicinal Claims on Mallotus philippensis (Lam.) Muell. Arg.

Abstract

Aim and objective: Mallotus philippensis (Lam.) Muell. Arg., family Euphorbiaceae, one of the medicinal plants highlighted for its uses in almost all classical texts of Ayurveda, is also traditionally used by local traditional healers for various disease conditions. The present review aims to collect all available ethnomedicinal information and research updates on M. philippensis. Material and methods: Reported ethnomedicinal uses of M. philippensis from available 20 books related to medicinal plants and 77 research articles on ethnomedicine, published till February 2020, were reviewed. Name and place of the reporting tribe, vernacular names, parts used along with their therapeutic indications, with specific method of administration, if any, through either external (E) or internal (I), as well as economic use were also noted. Results and discussion: Mallotus philippensis has been reported for its therapeutic uses in 18 states of India and other 3 countries. Its fruit, seed, plant part unspecified, leaf, stem bark root, flower, branches, whole plant, and young shoot are used in 67 different disease conditions, either through internal administration or external applications. Among these, maximum are indicated in the treatment of worms, skin disease, wounds, burn, etc. Its fruits have maximum applications in 48 disease conditions, followed by seed in 27, plant part unspecified in 27, leaf in 20, stem bark in 17, root in 11, flower in 9, branches in 1, whole plant in 1 and young shoot in 1 disease conditions. Its different parts are also used in economically as a dye, pesticide, religious rites, etc. Pharmacological studies report its anthelmintic, antibacterial, anticancer, purgative, and wound healing activities. Conclusion: Mallotus philippensis is having multifaceted ethnomedicinal uses. Much of the information are not noted in the classical texts of Ayurveda. Its use in worms, skin disease, constipation, rheumatism and wounds should be evaluated through pharmacological and clinical studies to establish the ethnic claims.