Morphological, phytochemical and ethnopharmacological attributes of Xylosma longifolia Clos: A review

Abstract

Xylosma longifolia Clos. (Salicaceae), a medium-sized tree is found mainly in India and China. It is known by different names such as Kattari, Kata-koli, Mota-koli, Kataponial, Nongleishang and Dieng-kani in different parts of India. It is widely spread in northeast India and also in most parts of China. In India, tribal communities such as ‘‘Miri’’ of Assam, ‘‘Kom’’ and “Tangkhul” of Manipur, “Lois’’ of Imphal, use it to treat cough, spasms, dysentery, insomnia, restlessness, pustules and jaundice. This plant is also enormously used in Ayurveda, Chinese and Vietnamese traditional medicinal systems. The principle compounds reported are xylongoside A, xylongoside B and xylosmaloside. The presence of secondary metabolites imparts its bioactivities including antimicrobial, analgesic, anti-dermatophytic, anti-tubercular, antioxidant and insecticidal activities. To date, not even a single review has been published on X. longifolia. Due to the broad continued interest in the efficacy of X. longifolia and extensive practice in traditional medicines, this review intends to recapitulate detailed and up-to-date information on this plant. The current review assessed and summarized the knowledge on geographic distribution, morphological features, ethnobotany, phytochemistry and pharmacological activities of X. longifolia.