Traditional and medicinal uses of Morinda lucida

Abstract

Brimstone tree, botanical name morinda lucida is a medium size tree with short crooked branches. Although it is very bitter, yet the whole plants, leaves, stem bark and roots are known to have medicinal properties. The many benefits derived from morinda lucida is owed to the high contents of vitamins A, K and E, alkaloids and other phytochemicals which are powerful antioxidant bioactive components like flavonoids which are effective as free radical scavengers, have anti-allergic, anti- inflammatory, anti-viral, anti-proliferative and anti-carcinogenic properties. Phenolic which are anti- apoptosis, anti-aging, anti-inflammation, anti-atherosclerosis, anti-carcinogen cardiovascular protection and improvement in endothelial function as well as inhibition of angiogenesis and cell proliferation activities, steroids used as anti-bacterial and anti-plasmodium, alkaloids, the most essential of the phytochemical are used as anti-parasitic agent. The present article reviews the pharmacological and home remedy uses of morinda lucida.