Traditional use, Pharmacognosy, Phytochemistry and Pharmacology of Cryptocoryne spiralis (Retz.) Fisch. ex Wydler: A review

Abstract

Cryptocoryne spiralis (Retz.) Fisch. ex Wydler (Araceae) is an aquatic medicinal plant found in India and Bangladesh. It is widely used in folk medicine against several ailments. Though the plant is primarily considered as a substitute or adulterant, it is known to contain several therapeutically important phytoconstituents whose efficacy is well established by several biochemical and pharmacological studies. This review critically evaluates the conventional remedies and recent research on this plant, providing clarity on its traditional use, pharmacognosy, phytochemistry and pharmacology.