Therapeutic significance of abutilon indicum: An overview

Abutilon indicum is known as “Atibala” in Sanskrit. Literally “Ati” means very and “Bala” means powerful, referring to the properties of this plant as very powerful. Abutilon indicum is a hairy herb or under shrub distributed throughout the tropica. In traditional systems of medicine, various plant parts such as roots, leaves, flowers, bark, seeds, and stems have been used as antioxidant, demulcent, laxative, diuretic, analgesic, anti-inflammatory and antiulcer agents. The leaves are reported to be used by traditional practitioners in cases of inflammatory joint disorders as folklore remedy. Psychosomatic medicinal use related to scorpion bite treatment is also reported in India. Plants are rich source of secondary metabolites with interesting biological activities. In general these secondary metabolites are an important source with a variety of structural arrangements and properties. It contributes the beneficial effect on health or plays an active role in interest in bioactive secondary metabolites of plant amelioration of disease. The medicinal properties of the plants have been investigated in the recent scientific developments throughout the world, due to their potential antioxidant activity, no side effects and economic viability. Antioxidant property of the plant is mainly due to the presence of phenolic compounds. The importance of medicinal plants and the contribution of phytomedicine to the well- being of a significant number of the world’s population have attracted interest from a variety of disciplines. The present review is therefore an effort to give the detailed survey of literature on its Pharamacognosy, phytochemistry as well as traditional and pharmacological uses.