An overview: Citrus maxima

Abstract

Plants have been used as traditional medicine for several thousands of years. Herbal medicine is still a mainstay of about 70-80% of the world’s population as they are easily available source for healthcare purposes in rural and tribal areas. India being the largest producer of medicinal plants it is correctly known as “Botanical garden of the world”. The plant Citrus maxima (J. Burm.) Merr. is a widely distributed indigenous plants found in Indian subcontinent. Which is been widely used. The present study was aimed to review the ethanobotanical properties, pharmacognostic, phytochemical and pharmacological properties of Citrus maxima. The various parts of this plant are widely used by different tribal communities. The leaves of plant are used in Epilepsy, chorea, Convulsive cough and also in the treatment of hemorrhage disease. Oil from fresh leaves posses anti dermatophytic activity and Fungicidal activity. Flower are Used as sedative in nervous affection. Fruits acts as cardiotonic and are used in Leprosy, Asthma, Cough, hiccough, mental aberration, Epilepsy. Rind are Antiasthmatic, sedative in nervous affection, Brain tonic and Useful in vomiting, griping of abdomen, diarrhea, Headache and eye troubles. Root and Bark: Antimicrobial activity. Following various claims for cure of numerous diseases, efforts have been made by researchers to verify the efficacy of the plant through scientific biological screening. A scrutiny of literature reveals some notable pharmacological activities of the plant such as activity on CNS, anti diabetic and cholesterol reducing property, analgesic, anti inflammatory, hepatoprotective, antioxidative property, cytotoxic activity, and many more medicinal values.