MEDICINAL PROPERTIES OF ANTHOCEPHALUS INDICUS (KADAM): AN INDIGENOUS MEDICINAL PLANT

Anthocephalus indicus or A. indicus (family Rubiaceae; Hindi name KADAMBA or KADAM) is one of such ayurvedic remedy that has been mentioned in many Indian medicinal literatures. This article discusses about the medicinal principles of Anthocephalus indicus. In this communication, we reviewed the phytochemistry of Anthocephalus cadamba and its application in the cure of various ailments like diabetes mellitus, diarrhoea, fever, inflammation, haemoptysis, cough, vomiting, wounds, ulcers, debility and antimicrobial activity. The major constituents of the plant are triterpenes, triterpenoid glycosides, flavanoids, saponins, indole alkaloids; cadambine, cadamine, isocadambine, isodihydrocadambine. This review discusses the investigations made by various workers related to chemical constituents, pharmacological action and toxicological studies of this plant since years till date.