ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL PROPERTIES AND THERAPEUTIC USES OF OPHIORRHIZA MUNGOS LINN : A REVIEW

Ophiorrhiza mungos L, is an Ayurvedic herb ,belonging to the family Rubiaceae, commonly known asMongoose plant is an ethnobotanically important plant containing Camptothecin as a potent natural bioactive compound. The genus Ophiorrhiza is known to be a natural source of Camptothecin and diverse biological activities. Camptothecin (CPT), a cytotoxic quinoline indole alkaloid is an important source for the synthesis of some of the major anti-cancer agents such as irinotecan and topotecan. O.mungos is a plant which yields contain Camptothecin in a significantly high amount. The plant is gaining recognition due to its diversified medicinal value however it has been categorized as an endangered plant. Alternative method of propagation like tissue culture, cell suspension culture, root culture, seedling culture etc aims at large scale production of the plant. Scientific literature regarding the Ophiorrhiza plants revealed their wide distribution across Asia and the neighbouring countries, where they were utilised as traditional medicine to treat various diseases. Several secondary metabolites like alkaloids, flavonoids, steroids, terpenoids, and fatty acids etc, exhibiting anti- bacterial, anti-viral, anti-ulcer, anti-helminthic and anti-venom properties are extracted from various parts of the plant. Here we aim to provide an overview of the importance of Ophiorrhiza mungos , a member of genus Ophiorrhiza its botanical properties, phytochemical and pharmaceutical aspects with interest on camptothecin and its future prospects. The review is an attempt to provide insights in our gap of knowledge that needs concern and bridge the gaps between its bioactive compound, traditional uses and pharmacological activities in an approach to provide long term benefits to society.