A review on Hiptage benghalensis (Madhavilata) used as an Ayurvedic drug

Hiptage benghalensis (L) Kurz belongs to the family Malphigiaceae. The plant has strong therapeutic potential thus occasionally cultivated for medicinal purposes in several traditional medicines to cure various diseases. This plant has been known to possess antibacterial, antifungal, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, anticancerous, antimutagenic and hepatoprotective activity. According to Ayurveda, Hiptage benghalensis is cooling, vulnerary, astringent, expectorant, cardiotonic, anti-inflammatory, insecticidal, wound healing and used in burning sensation of the body, wound, pruritus, foul ulcers, scabies, leprosy, skin diseases, cough, asthma, cardiac debility, rheumatism, hyperdipsia, obesity, intrinsic haemorrhage etc. The presented review summarizes the information concerning the botany, ethno pharmacology, phytochemistry and biological activity of this plant.