Botany and phytochemistry of Adenanthera pavonina L (Rakta Kambal) - A mini review

The plant Adenanthera pavonina L. (Leguminosae) is a traditionally and pharmacologically important medicinal plant of the Asian subcontinent. Various parts of the plant particularly seeds, roots and leaves are traditionally used for the treatment of rheumatism, inflammations, diarrhoea, boils and lowering of blood pressure. A critical phytochemical survey was executed on the phytochemistry of A. pavonina, and found a plethora of phytochemicals that consisted of various phytochemical groups namely phytosterols, saponins and sapogenins, flavonoids, alkaloid, alcohols, hydrocarbons, fatty acids and ester, carbohydrates, sugars and amino acids. Current phytochemical studies reveal the presence of 71 isolated compounds, a few of which have been shown different pharmacological activities. This review compiles a wealth of information on the phytochemistry of A. pavonina from the standpoints of chemistry and medicine that would be explored in order to carry on future research in the discovery and development of new therapeutic lead drug molecules.