phytochemistry

Plants have been an important source of medicines since the beginning of cultivation. There is a growing demand for plant-based medicines, health products, pharmaceuticals, food supplements, cosmetics etc. Bombax ceiba Linn. (Bombacaceae) is a tall tree buttressed at the base that is widely distributed throughout India, Ceylon and Malaya, upto 1500 m of altitude. Many parts of the plant (root, stem bark, gum, leaf, prickles, flower, fruit, seed and heartwood) are used by various tribal communities and forest dwellers for the treatment of a variety of ailments. The plant literature survey shows the plant possesses astringent, cooling, stimulant, diuretic, aphrodisiac, demulcent and tonic effects and also helps in dysentery. It also possesses important pharmacological activity such as aphrodisiac, anti-inflammatory and hepato protective activity in addition to anticancer and anti-HIV activity, anti-Helicobacter pylori, antiangiogenic, analgesic and antioxidant activity and hypotensive, hypoglycemic and antimicrobial activity. It is reported to contain important phytoconstituents such as naphthol, naphthoquinones, polysaccharides, anthocyanins, shamimin and lupeol.

Xylopia aethiopica  (Annonaceae), commonly called negro pepper, African pepper, Guinea pepper and spice tree, is an ever green aromatic tree growing up to 15-30 m high. It is a native to the low land rain forests and moist fringe forests in the savanna zones and coastal regions of Africa. Folklore medicine claimed it to be useful as abortifacients, ecbolics as well as in the treatment of diarrhoea, dysentery; stomach disorder, menstrual disorder, naso-pharyngeal infections, arthritis, rheumatism, infections, among others. This present article is a collection of up to date information regarding the ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry, Pharmacology and Toxicological studies carried on  Xylopia aethiopica by different researchers (authors).