A review of phytochemistry, bioactivities and ethno medicinal uses of Rhazya stricta Decsne (Apocynaceae)

Rhazya stricta Decne is an important medicinal plant belonging to family Apocynaceae. Its chemical constituents, biological and pharmacological activities, and ethno medicinal uses have been reviewed in the present study. The reported phytochemical studies conducted on various parts of R. stricta plant revealed presence of over 100 alkaloids and few non-alkaloidal compounds. Most of the activities of the plant reside in its alkaloidal fractions. The compounds have been reported to exhibit ambulatory, antifungal, antimicrobial, antioxidant, endogenous monoamine oxidase (MAO) A and B inhibitory and herbicidal activities. They also showed effects on arachidonic acid (AA) metabolism, blood pressure, central nervous system (CNS), immunity, smooth muscles and glucose homeostasis. Different parts of the plant have been reported to be used in traditional medicine against various ailments such as diabetes, foot burning, skin diseases, stomach pain etc. But more work needs to be done regarding its medicinal importance (recording and exploring recipes) for the benefit of improving human health. As the plant of R. stricta has immense potential as an anti-microbial due to its richness of phytochemicals it possesses, therefore, such studies are recommended in various parts of the countries of Arabian Peninsula and the Indian subcontinent where it grows.