The phytochemical constituents and pharmacological properties of Munronia pinnata: A review

Abstract

Munronia pinnata is a rare perennial medicinal herb widely used in Sri Lanka, China and India. It belongs to the family Meliaceae, which has many ecotypes in leaflets such as 3,5,7,9 and 11. Munronia pinnata has been used in an array of diseases like fever, general pain, haemorrhoids, dysentery, eczema, cough, asthma, oedema, circulatory disorders, malaria, and vomiting. Despite its long history of use in traditional medicine in Sri Lanka, only a very few research and scientific publications have been recorded. Therefore, this review provides a robust knowledge of available scientific facts on Munronia pinnata. Munronia pinnata was proved to possess following pharmacological properties; hypoglycemic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antifungal, antimalarial, hepatoprotective and antivenom. The available in-vivo and in-vitro suggests that Munronia pinnata have effective pharmacological properties which can be used to identify lead molecules from the plant. However, an extensive study of medicinal properties of Munronia pinnata is necessary to identify the mechanisms of the properties exhibited by the plant and utilize their valuable medicinal properties.