A Review on Medicinal properties of Colocasia esculenta Linn

Abstract

Colocasia esculenta Linn. is one of the widely available plant all over the globe with history of use in Indian traditional system. Colocasia esculenta Linn. has attained popularity across the globe to replace synthetic medicines due to their less side effects and its natural plant origin. It is commonly known as taro belonging to family Araceae. It is used as a vegetable for many nutritional as well as medicinal purposes. The two important therapeutically active chemical constituents are present in taro leaf extract namely flavonoids and triterpenoids. The pharmacological studies of Colocasia esculenta Linn. estimated that the herb showed various pharmacological activities, including nervine tonic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-lipid peroxidative activity, hepatoprotective, antifungal, antidiabetic, anticancer and antimicrobial effects. This review is designed to give exhaustive account on taxonomy, geographical and nutritional information, various phytochemical constituents and pharmacologic activities of taro.