Phyto-pharmacology of Murraya koenigii (L.)

Herbs have always been the principal form of medicine in India. Medicinal plants have curative properties due to the presence of various complex chemical substances of different composition, which are found as secondary plant metabolites in one or more parts of these plants. Murraya koenigii (L.) commonly known as Meethi neem, family Rutaceae, is used traditionally as antiemetic, antidiarrhoeal, febrifuge and blood purifier. The whole plant is considered to be a tonic and stomachic. The leaves are used extensively as a flavoring agent in curries and chutneys. The oil derived from the leaves is also applied externally to bruises and eruptions. The oil is also used in the perfume and soap industries. Studies indicate that it possesses antioxidant, antibacterial, anticarcinogenic, anti-lipid peroxidative, hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic properties. The present review aims to update information on its phytochemistry and pharmacological activities.