Sreeshma PS, Joby Paul
Baccaurea courtallensis (Phyllanthaceae), a medium-sized tree, is endemic to South Western Ghats. All the plant parts of B. courtallensis are documented to possess varied medicinal properties and used to treat diseases by folk medicine practitioners. In the recent years, this plant has been investigated scientifically for supporting its traditional claims. Biological activities like anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, antioxidant, anti-hyperlipidemic and anti-inflammatory are also been reported in B. courtallensis. The fruit of the plant is under-utilized, but are highly nutritional. The present review is an attempt to compile the scientific information on botanical characteristics, ethnobotany, phytochemistry and pharmacological activities of B. courtallensis and to assess its bioprospection.
KeywordsAntidote; Antipyretic; Bioprospection; Endemic plant; Moottipazham; Underutilized fruit