Abstract

RHIZOPORA MUCRONATA (LOOP ROOT MANGROVE) –AN ETHNOMEDICINAL REVIEW

*R. Hari M.Pharm, R. Vadivu M.Pharm Phd, R. Radha M.Pharm, MBA, Phd.

Abstract

Rhizopora mucronata (Rhizoporaceae) is a mangrove commonly found in the coastal intertidal zones of Indo-pacific and East Africa. It is popularly known as Asiatic mangrove and regionally (Tamil Nadu) as „peykkanthal‟. Mangroves are rapidly growing as a potent source of medicinal wealth which has been successfully proven as a cure for treating various ailments for centuries. Ethnomedicinal use of this halophyte includes Angina, Dysentery, Hematuria and many more. With recent advancements in analytical and clinical studies, it has further been proven for its biological activity such as hepatoprotective, antihyperglycemic, antiviral (HIV), anthelminthic, immunostimulant, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antitumor and anti-diabetic. Medicinally active phytoconstituents like coumarins, xanthone, squalene, triterpenoids and many other compounds have been isolated and further studies will lead to a discovery novel drug moiety. Inspite of this Red mangrove being placed in the least concern category of the IUCN Red List, lack of a validated database on its medicinal properties and its ecological importance, it is being exploited for varied reasons as in dyeing and logistics industries. This review is a holistic approach to detail every aspects of this loop root mangrove.

Keywords: Mangrove, Rhizopora mucronata, Ethnomedicinal, Pharmacological activities.