A SHORT REVIEW ON THERAPEUTIC USES OF COUROUPITA GUIANENSIS AUBL

Abstract

Medicinal plants are used as traditional form of providing relief to several diseases. Presently, millions of adults are depending on medicinal plants for their primary health care needs. Couroupita guianensis (Family: Lecythidaceae; Brazil-nut family), is an ever green tree native to tropical northern South America, Southern Caribbean and India. In India, it has religious significance and can be seen in Shiva temples and known as Mallikarjuna flowers in Telugu. Its common name includes Ayahuma, cannon-ball tree (cannon-ball-like fruits). It is very rare and lesser exploited from ethno pharmacology point of view. This review will be helpful to create interest towards Couroupita guianensis and may be useful in developing new formulations with more therapeutic and economical value.