Bioactivity studies of an endangered medicinal plant Celastrus paniculatus willd.: an overview

Celastrus paniculatus willd., an extremely versatile medicinal plant, is commonly used as memory sharpener, anti-depressant, rejuvenant, nervine tonic, free radical scavenger, anti-oxidant etc. The present review is made to enlighten the information based upon scientific evidence regarding morphological description, pharmacological actions and phytoconstituents of this plant. The leaves of the plant show significant anti-fungal and anti-microbial activity. The root bark exhibited antimalarial activity while seed shows sedative, antidepressant, antifertility and wound healing activity. These plants are naturally used for treatment of blood purification after delivery, menstruation cycle and abortion. Due to the wide range of medicinal properties, the plant is being harvested erratically from wild coupled with cultivars; the species is listed as endangered and a vulnerable medicinal plant. Hence, realising the importance of the plant and the current threat to its existence, more scientific effort is required for conservation and efficient propagation for this plant to meet the growing demand.