Abstract
Luffa acutangula (Cucurbitaceae), a perennial plant grows mainly in India, Southeast Asia, China, Japan, Egypt, and other parts of Africa, it is widely used in the traditional Indian medicinal system to treat various health conditions. The plant has been used in jaundice, diabetes, hemorrhoids, dysentery, headache, ringworm infection, and leprosy. More than 50 chemical compounds have been isolated from a plant which mainly comprises flavonoids, anthraquinones, proteins, fatty acids, saponin triterpene, volatile components, and other phytoconstituents. Crude extract of plant and its isolated compounds possess broad pharmacological activities such as antidiabetic, hepatoprotective, antiulcer, anticancer, immunomodulatory, antihyperlipidemic, antioxidant, antimicrobial, CNS depressant, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory. The toxicological evaluation in preclinical studies reported safety of the plant for human consumption, but comprehensive evaluation in clinical studies is required. However, further investigation is necessary for transformation of experience based treatment of plant into evidence based information. Evaluation of pharmacological activity with indicative biomarkers will help to reveal the mechanism of action of chemical constituents of plant extract. The data from preclinical studies recommends clinical evaluation of safety and efficacy of the plant. The current paper summarizes up-to-date information about a review of the traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacological activities, and toxicology to highlight the future prospects of the plant.
Highlights
Medicinal compounds from plant sources play a key role in prevention and treatment of disease since ancient time
SGPT, SGOT, serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP), serum bilirubin, serum cholesterol, triglycerides, serum high density, lipoproteins (SHDL), serum total proteins and serum albumin levels were reduced by alcoholic extract
Antimicrobial activity of different parts was solvent dependent Fruit extract exhibit more potent antibacterial and antifungal activity leaf extract Activity shown as: n-hexane > chloroform extract > ethyl acetate Increased phagocytosis and % neutrophil adhesion assay was observed with dose of 200 mg/kg CNS depressant activity of extract is dose dependant activity Methanolic extract exhibit dose dependent glucose lowering and mucosal defensive action
Summary
Medicinal compounds from plant sources play a key role in prevention and treatment of disease since ancient time. Some of these compounds are toxic to plant predators, but have the beneficial effects in the treatment of human diseases. Demand for compounds isolated from plants is growing throughout the world and many pharma companies are currently conducting extensive research of these compounds in human health (Danish et al, 2011). Luffa acutangula is a medicinal plant, usually referred as a ridge gourd. It is prevalent in subtropical region of Asia. The plant is widely cultivated in India, Southeast Asia, China, Japan, Egypt, and other parts of Africa.
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