Pterocarpus marsupium Roxb - Biological activities and medicinal properties

Pterocarpus marsupium (Bija), a popular Indian medicinal plant. Has long been used commonly in ayurvedic system of medicine. The plant has been found to possess diverse number of biological activities. The P. marsupium tree has some medicinal property and is thus commercially exploitable. During the last five decades, apart from the chemistry of the P. marsupium compounds, considerable progress has been achieved regarding the biological activity and medicinal applications of P. marsupium. It is now considered as a valuable source of unique natural products for development of medicines against various diseases and also for the development of industrial products. This review reveals that the biological activities and medicinal properties of P. marsupium compounds isolated, pharmacological actions of the P. marsupium extracts, clinical studies and plausible medicinal applications along with their safety evaluation. Keywords : Medicinal plant, P. marsupium Roxb., Bija, Indian Kino tree.