Abstract
Alstonia scholaris (Saptaparna), a venerable member of the Apocynaceae family, has been extolled for its therapeutic significance in the annals of Ayurveda. The etymology of its name "Saptaparna" reflects its unique characteristic, where "Sapta" signifies seven, and "Parna" denotes leaves. This ornamental tree, colloquially known as the Devil's tree or Dita bark, has earned its place of prominence not only for its aesthetic appeal but also for its remarkable medicinal properties.
The bark of Saptaparna finds itself as a vital constituent in the formulation of Ayush-64, an indigenous antimalarial drug developed by the Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS) in India. Traditional medicine systems have long cherished this botanical treasure, employing it to treat a diverse array of ailments, including Jwara (fever), Shwas (respiratory disorders), Kushtha (skin diseases), Gulma (abdominal tumors), and Vrana (wounds).
Beyond its traditional applications, Alstonia scholaris has garnered widespread recognition in the field of pharmacology due to its multifaceted therapeutic activities. This review provides an exhaustive exploration of its pharmacological profile, delving into its roles as an antidiabetic, antibacterial, antianxiety, anti-inflammatory, antiulcer, anticancer, antimicrobial, antidiarrheal, antioxidant agent, and a potent wound healer. The plant's diverse pharmacological prowess can be attributed to its rich reservoir of phytoconstituents, including alkaloids, steroids, reducing sugars, and flavonoids.
This comprehensive review aims to shed light on the ethnomedicinal applications, chemical constituents, and multifarious medicinal values of Alstonia scholaris, thereby enhancing our understanding of this botanical gem and its potential contributions to contemporary healthcare and drug discovery endeavors.