Abstract
Murraya koenigii spreng (Rutaceae) commonly known as curry tree, is native to Asia and is found throughout the Indian subcontinent. In several ancient systems of medicine including Ayurveda, Siddha and Unani, M. koenigii, has vast number of therapeutic applications such as in bronchial disorders, piles, vomiting, skin diseases etc. The medicinal utilities have been described especially for leaf, stem, bark and oil. The leaves of M. koenigii are used as tonic, stomachic, carminative, internally in dysentery, antiemetic, antihelminthic, and analgesic. Following various claims, efforts have been made by the researchers to verify the efficacy of the plant through scientific biological screening. A scrutiny of literature reveals notable pharmacological activities of the plant such as antidiabetic antihyperlipidemic, antimicrobial, antioxidant, anticancer, antidiarrheal, and phagocytic. Its leaves are widely used in Indian cookery for flavouring foodstuffs. Curry leaves are used to treat burn, bruises and skin eruption. It can be used in preventing premature graying of hair. Curry leaf oil, produced from the plant has uses in the soap industry. The well studied pharmacology, phytochemistry and therapeutic potential of this plant needs to be compiled in form of review for its potential as a valuable therapeutic agent in the treatment and management of various ailments and diseases in humans. Thus the present review aims to compile the work done by various researchers on traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacological activities, preclinical, clinical, toxicological and recent studies on M. koenigii plant.
