A systematic documentation on a rare medicinal plant Acacia ferruginea: a ready reckoner

• Published in: Advances in traditional medicine (Online) 2023, 23(4), , pp.1065-1089
• Main Authors: Jeevitha, M., Sripathi, Shubashini K.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Biomedical and Life Sciences; Biomedicine; Pharmacy; Research Article; 한의학
• ISSN: 2662-4052; 2662-4060
• DOI: 10.1007/s13596-022-00647-1

The key ingredients in a wide range of Ayurvedic, Siddha, and homeopathic medications are medicinal plants which have an impact on the treatment wide range of ailments and disorders while also contributing to humanity’s overall health. To obtain commercial value and worldwide acceptance, herbal medications must contain standardized extracts. Documenting the physico-chemical, chemical, and biological features of legitimate medicinal plants/extracts are one of the existing standardization procedures. Acacia, a large genus housing about 160 species, belongs to the Fabaceae family. Acacia ferruginea , a potential herb with medicinal utilization is endemic to the tropical region. Plants have been exploited as a viable medicine formulation source due to advances in phytochemistry over the last few decades. The present documentation intends to recapitulate detailed information on the plant comprising morphological features, physico-chemical characteristics, phytochemical composition and pharmaceutical properties reported through scientific validation and along with its cultivation and conservation challenges. The goal of this study is to detail the medical benefits and phytochemical potential of Acacia ferruginea , and conscientious efforts are needed to explore its benefits and validation of its traditional uses through clinical applications. The current documentation robustly covers the literature on A. ferruginea from 1965 to Dec 2021 and also includes findings of our recent studies on this plant. Providing up-to-date information on its botanical aspects for easy recognition of the plant, as well as its historical background/origin along with our original findings and the assessment comprises investigations that have been on the plant’s numerous qualities and activities. The presence of flavonoids, alkaloids, phenolics, tannins, and saponins is revealed by qualitative/quantitative studies. The bark of the plant has been extensively studied and the plant possesses antioxidant, anti-cancer, anti-diabetic, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-haemorrhoidal, and larvicidal properties. This precise record of details pertaining to standardization of extracts of A. ferruginea will assist producers of natural formulations as a ready reckoner. Graphical abstract