Mesua Ferrea: An Ethnobotanically Important Plant

Mesua ferrae Linn. (Fam. Clusiaceae) is an ornamental plant which possessing high medicinal value in Indian system of medicines. it is commonly known as Nagkesara in Hindi Ceylon iron wood in English. Mesua ferrea is a large tree with hard wood also known as shade provider and radiation modifier. It is native to tropical Sri Lanka and Tripura but slowly disappearing from India. Traditionally, flowers and aromatic leaves of paint are known for their antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, blood purifier, anthelmintic, cardiotonic, diuretic, expectorant, antipyretic, purgative, antiasthmatic, antiallergic, antispasmodic, antineoplastic, hepatoprotective properties. The plant is a powerful antidote for snake bite. Bioguided screening of plant shows the presence flavonoids along with other compounds such as coumarins, triterpenoids, xanthines biologically active constituents. M. ferrea is an ingredient of various ayurvedic and unani formulations.