A short review of Polianthes tuberosa L. considered a medicinal plant in Bangladesh

Abstract

Polianthes tuberosa L. is a flowering plant belonging to the Agavaceae (also Asparagaceae and Amaryllidaceae according to some botanists) family, which is planted in Bangladesh in home gardens. The plant is also cultivated commercially for its fragrant flowers. Various folk medicinal uses of the plant include being used for tumor, cosmetic, laxative, cooling, placebo, sexual disorder, hair color, emetic, diuretic, and gonorrhea. The plant contains a number of flavonoids and other polyphenols, which can be of possible therapeutic use against a number of diseases resulting from or causing oxidative stress like diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis and cardiovascular disorders. Pharmacological studies indicate that the plant has anti-microbial, anti-oxidant, anti-viral, immunomodulatory, diabetic wound healing, anti-inflammatory, anti-amebic, anti-ulcer, and neuropharmacological properties. The presence of bioactive principles combined with the traditional uses and reported pharmacological properties of the plant indicate that the plant can be considered an important source for lead compounds and new drugs.