Phyllanthus Reticulatus Poir. – an Important Medicinal Plant: a Review of Its Phytochemistry, Traditional Uses and Pharmacological Properties

The medicinal plants are widely used by traditional medical practitioners for curing various diseases in their day to day life. In traditional system of medicine different parts of Phyllanthus reticulatus are used for curing various ailments. Bark is used as astringent and diuretic. Leaves are antidiarrheal and roots are used for asthma. Fruit of the plant is used in inflammation. Phyllanthus reticulatus has been proved to show antidiabetic, antiviral, anticancer, antiplasmodial, hepatoprotective, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory activities. The plant contains tannic acid, terpenoids, flavonoids, phenolic compounds and steroids as main chemical constituents. This article aims to provide a comprehensive review on the phytochemical and pharmacological aspects of this plant. The innumerable medicinal properties and therapeutic uses of Phyllanthus reticulatus prove its importance as a valuable medicinal plant. INTRODUCTION: In traditional culture medicinal plants are used all over the world and they are becoming increasingly popular in modern society as natural alternatives to synthetic chemicals 1 . Phyllanthus reticulatus (Family – Euphorbiaceae) commonly known as pancoli or karineli, (Synonym: Kirganelia reticulata Poir.) is a large glabrous or pubescent shrub with smooth or lanticellate branches growing from 8-10 ft in height. The plant is widely present in Tropical Africa, Srilanka, South East Asia, China, Malaysia and throughout India, mostly in hedges or waste places. Fruiting and flowering season of plant is from July to March. Leaves of the plant contain tannic acid and gum. Fruit of the plant becomes purplish black when ripe. QUICK RESPONSE CODE DOI: 10.13040/IJPSR.0975-8232.4(7).1000-06 Article can be accessed online on: www.ijpsr.com The leaves are used as diabetic and cooling medicine. It is reported to be used as diuretic, alternative, attenuant, astringent and as antidiarrhoel 2-5 .