Traditional uses , Phytochemistry and Pharmacology of an Endangered plant

Decalepis hamiltonii. Wight and Arn. (Asclepiadaceae) has been extensively used in traditional systems of medicine for a wide range of ailments. Phytochemical studies have shown the presence of many valuable compounds such as saponins, tannins, flavonoids, phenolics, triterpenes, ketones, aldelydes, resinol, sterols, inositol, fatty acids, volatile flavour compounds, cardiac glycosides, volatile and essential oils. The wide spectrum of pharmacological activities in D.hamiltonii extracts includes antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antimalarial, antidiabetic, antiulcer, antipyretic, antiplasmodial antioxidant, cytoprotective, hepatoprotective and insecticidal properties. These properties have triggered acceleration in extraction and isolation of phytochemical compounds in recent years. The highly aromatic tuberous roots are endangered in its natural habitat due to habitat destruction and overexploitation by destructive harvestation. Low availability is a serious bottleneck and there is an urgent need to focus on the conservation priorities of this globally endangered species.