Phytochemicals and Pharmacological Properties of Nyctanthes arbor-tristis: A Review

Nyctanthes arbor–tristis (L.) is a member of family Oleaceae. The present review was based on the phytochemicals and pharmacological properties of Nyctanthes arbor-tristis. It is a large shrub with erect growth habit upto 10m in height. The bark on the branches is a flaky greyish green and the branches themselves are square. Broadly oval or rhomboid in shape, with a sharp apex and an entire border, the leaves are simple, exstipulate, opposite, and unifoliate. It is 10 cm in length and 5 cm in width and may be any shade of green from pale to dark. The leaves contain D-mannitol, β sitosterol, flavanol glycosides, astragalin, nicotiflorin, oleanolic acid, nyctanthic acid, tannic acid, ascorbic acid, methyl salicylate, an amorphous glycoside, an amorphous resin, friedeline, trace of volatile oil, carotene, lupeol, glucose, iridoid glycosides, mannitol, fructose, and benzoic acid. It has been used traditionally in inflammations, dyspepsia, flatulence, colic, ophthalmopathy, splenomegaly, greyness of hair and baldness. It concluded that Nyctanthes arbor-tristis is rich source of numerous phytoconstituents and used traditionally in the management of various ailments. It has been reported for pharmacologically activities in various diseases i.e., anti-diabetic, anti-malarial, antioxidant, anticancer, anti-inflammatory and analgesic, antimalarial, antiparasitic, and anti-aggressive.