Nisoth (Operculina turpethum Linn.) As Potential Medicinal Herb: A Review

The various Indian traditional systems of medicine mention the use of plants in the treatment of various human ailments from the time of Rig Veda (3500 to1800 B.C.) and India is well known as the “Medicine garden of the world”. The plant Operculina turpethum L. is the most ancient plant of India, generally known as Nisoth belonging to family Convolvulaceae. Operculina turpethum reported to contain three glycosidic acids turpethic acid A-C and two intact resin glycosides turpethoside A and B, scopoletin, volatile oil, albumen etc. It is used as purgative and the roots are bitter, thermogenic, carminative, antihelmintic, expectorant, antipyretic, stimulant and hydragogue. This review summarizes the traditional uses, pharmacological activities and phytochemical constituents of Operculina turpethum.