Morphological features, phytochemical and ethnopharmacological attributes of Tabernaemontana divaricata Linn.: A comprehensive review

Abstract

Tabernaemontana divaricata Linn. is an ornamental, evergreen and highly useful ethno medicinal plant which is utilized for various traditional treatment purposes worldwide. The plant is commonly called Crepe Jasmine and it is belonging to the family of Apocynaceae. The plant is found in Asia, Australia, China, Japan, Indiaand Myanmar. The plant is 1.5-2.5m in height with silvery grey bark; wrinkled and milky latex exudes when wounded, and has white colored flowers. The leaves are shiny deep green in color. According to the previous study the plant has diverse ranges of phytochemicals constituents such as alkaloids, steroids, flavonoids, phenolic acids and enzymes. The flowers of the plant contain epivoacangine, apparicine, isovoacristine, tabernaemontanine, voaphylline, and vobasine. It is ascribed with extensive series of useful pharmacological activities like anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, analgesic, antioxidant, anti-diabetic, anti-convulsant, antimicrobial and anti-infertility activities. This plant is also used to treat various disorders like abdominal tumors, epilepsy, eye infections, fever, headache, inflammation, leprosy, asthma, diarrhea, paralysis, rheumatic pain, ulceration and vomiting. So, the review article briefly describes the morphological features, ethno medicinal uses, pharmacological properties and phytochemical composition of this medicinal plant. The present study is also is an attempt to combine and document the important information of Tabernaemontana divaricata and highlights the future need for research and development.