Ethnobotany, Phytochemistry and Pharmacology of Pericopsis laxiflora (Baker) Meeuwen (Leguminosae) – A Review

Pericopsis laxiflora (Family Leguminosae) is a medicinal plant that is ubiquitous especially in the tropical and savannah regions. There are many reports on folkloric and traditional medicinal uses that include haemorrhoids, rheumatism, abdominal pain treatment, diarrhoea, and dysentery, fever, skin diseases and jaundice. Peer-reviewed articles were gathered by consulting the databases of Scopus, Medline, Web of Science, PubMed, Science Direct and Google Scholar. Phytochemical investigations have revealed many bioactive compounds such as β-carboline derivative and tryptamine derivative. The plant has been examined on the basis of the in vitro, in vivo or clinical evaluations and shown to possess major pharmacological activities. These include anti-trypanosomal, antimicrobial, antibacterial, antioxidant and anti-malarial activities. In the present review, an attempt has been made to congregate the traditional, phytochemical and pharmacological studies performed on Pericopsis laxiflora. Comprehensive safety and efficacy studies must be conducted on the plant. Generally, there are knowledge gaps that must be filled. Thus this review is intended for practitioners and researchers in the fields of ethnopharmacology, natural product chemistry and drug discovery related research.