Pharmacological Activities of Alstonia scholaris linn. (Apocynaceae) - A Review

Many herbal remedies have been employed in various medical systems for the treatment and management of different diseases. The plant Alstonia scholaris has been used in different system of traditional medication for the treatment of diseases and ailments of human beings. It is reported to contain various alkaloids, flavonoids and phenolic acids. It has been reported as antimicrobial, antiamoebic, antidiarrhoeal, antiplasmodial, hepatoprotective, immunomodulatory, anti-cancer, antiasthmatic, free radical scavenging, antioxidant, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, anti-ulcer, anti-fertility and wound healing activities. There are also reports available for the traditional use of this plant for its cardiotonic, anti-diabetic and anti-arthritic properties. Many isolated constituents from Alstonia scholaris lack the reports of pharmacological activities, which support its further pharmacological studies.