Azanza garckeana Fruit Tree: Phytochemistry, Pharmacology, Nutritional and Primary Healthcare Applications as Herbal Medicine: A Review

This study was aimed at reviewing the nutritional value, the phytochemical compounds, ethnomedicinal uses and validated pharmacological properties of A. garckeana. The extensive literature survey revealed that ripe fruit carpels of A. garckeana are edible and widely used as food additives throughout the distributional range of the species. Azanza garckeana is also traditionally used to treat or manage at least 22 human diseases and ailments. The species is used as herbal medicine for diseases and ailments such as chest pains, cough, infertility, liver problems, menstruation problems and sexually transmitted infections. Multiple classes of compounds including alkaloids, amino acids, ascorbic acid, carotenoids, cyanogenic glucosides, flavonoids, lipids, phenols, saponins and tannins have been isolated from A. garckeana. Pharmacological studies on A. garckeana indicate that the species has a wide range of pharmacological activities such as antibacterial, antifungal, antihyperglycemic, antimalarial, antioxidant and iron absorption. Azanza garckeana is worth to be subjected to detailed scientific investigations for elucidating its chemical, nutritional and toxicological properties. Such detailed research should also include experimental animal studies, randomized clinical trials and target-organ toxicity studies involving A. garckeana and its derivatives.
Source: Research Journal of Medicinal Plant - Category: Complementary Medicine Source Type: research