Medicinal, pharmaceutical and pharmacological properties of Zanthoxylum armatum: A Review

Abstract

Zanthoxylum armatum DC is a sub deciduous aromatic, branched shrub, belongs to family Rutaceae. Its maximum length up to approximately 5 m with alternate imparipinnate leaves and flowers are small, pale yellow in colour. It is widely spread in the hot valleys of Himalayas from Jammu to Bhutan, Nepal and Pakistan. In India, the most part of Orissa and Andhra Pradesh is covered by Z. armatum plants. This plant is significantly used to cure stomachic, toothache, carminative, antiseptic and chest infections. This review has collecting information about its botanical position, morphology, phytochemical and pharmacological information on Z armatum. Various researchers have shown that Zanthoxylum armatum posseses valuable biological and pharmacological activities. A large number of phytochemical compounds such as alkaloid, tennins, amino acids, terpenoids, glycosides are present in the extract of the leaves of Zanthoxylum armatum. This review focuses on the detailed medicinal uses, phytochemical composition and pharmacological properties of different parts of Zanthoxylum armatum.