Pharmacognosy, physicochemistry, phytochemistry, pharmacological and ethnomedicinal profiles of Bambusa arundinacea (Retz.) Willd. seeds: a scoping review

Abstract

Bamboo-plants popularly known for their industrial uses are now been in attention for their therapeutical as well as food/nutraceutical utilities. The plant is intricately associated with humans from time immemorial. Bambusa arundinacea (Retz.)Willd. is an important species among the bamboo community. Research works on this species of bamboo have yielded crucial data regarding its phyto-constituents and biochemical parameters. Seeds of B. Arundinacea are known to possess several therapeutical as well as nutritional properties and they are traditionally used by many tribal populations across the globe. The present review article is an attempt to critically analyse the comprehensive information from the research works carried out on pharmacognostical and physicochemical profiles, to evaluate the phytochemical , pharmacological and ethnomedicinal properties of the seeds of B. arundinacea. This attempt of review revealed the characteristic pharmacognostical as well as physicochemical features possessed by these seeds. profiles. The phytochemical analysis revealed vital information regarding the bio-constituents present in the seeds of B. arundinacea which implies their possible therapeutic potential. The bioactivities of some constituents present in the seeds can ensure the possibility of utilizating these seeds in the manufacturing of medicines, in future. Though the seeds are in use as food and medicine by several tribes since ancient times, very few researches were done on their bio-ingredients and their activities. Therefore, the studies in future should be oriented to further explain the biological activities of the bio-constituents present in the seeds of B. arundinacea.