Medicinal importance of Operculina turpethum (Linn.): A Review

Abstract

Traditional medicine is a major part of the cultural heritage of a society and it has developed in accordance with the lifestyle and cultural practices of the society. Natural products are part and parcel of human society to combat a wide range of disorders from the dawn of civilization. Operculina turpethum (L.) Silva Manso (Convolvulaceae) is a well-known medicinal herb traditionally used in Unani and Ayurvedic systems of medicine to treat various diseases. Operculina turpethum (L.) contains various secondary metabolites including saponins, flavonoids, glycosides like turpethien and phenolics and it also contains some amount of essential oil, glucose and fructose. Various studies on Operculina turpethum Linn. Validated its different pharmacological action like laxative action, hypoglycemic action, anti-dyslipidemic effect, ani-inflammatory effect, ulcer protective effect, anti-microbial effect, etc. The present review comprehensively incorporates the phytochemical, pharmacological and therapeutic importance of Operculina turpethum (L.).