PHCOG REV.: PLANT REVIEW PHYTO-PHARMACOLOGY OF BARLERIA PRIONITIS LINN. - A REVIEW

Plants have been one of the important sources of medicines since the beginning of human civilization. There is a growing demand for plant based Medicines, health products, Pharmaceuticals, Food supplements, Cosmetics etc. Barleria prionitis Linn belonging to Acanthaceae family is a small spiny shrub. It is an indigenous plant of South Asia and certain regions of Africa & India. Various parts of the plant such as leaves, roots, aerial parts, flowers & stems are used as an Antiarthritic, Antibacterial, Antifertility, Antioxidant, Antidiabetic, Antifungal, Antiviral, Hepatoprotective, Enzyme inhibitory, Anthelmintic & Anti-inflammatory agent. It is reported to certain flavonoids, saponins, glycosides, phytosterols & tannin. The plant contains some specific compounds such as barlenoside, barlerine, acetylbarlerine, balarenone & some common secondary metabolites. A review of chemical constituents present in various parts of B. prionitis & their Pharmacological actions is given in the present article.