Phytochemistry and Medicinal Applications of Ichnocarpus frutescens (L.) W.T.Aiton

Ichnocarpus frutescens (L.) W.T.Aiton, is a woody climber belonging to the family Apocynaceae. It is widely distributed across India and other tropical Asian countries. Traditionally, this plant has been used in various indigenous systems of medicine for treating ailments such as diabetes, fever, wounds, rheumatism, and jaundice. Phytochemical investigations reveal the presence of diverse bioactive constituents including alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, saponins, triterpenoids, and steroids, which contribute to its wide spectrum of pharmacological activities such as antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, hepatoprotective, and antimicrobial effects. This chapter highlights the botanical description, ethnomedicinal uses, phytochemistry, and pharmacological potential of Ichnocarpus frutescens.