Abstract

THE PAPER FLOWER’S SECRET: PHYTOCHEMICAL WEALTH AND MULTIFACETED THERAPEUTIC ROLES OF BOUGAINVILLEA SPECTABILIS

Ms. K. Haripriya*, Ms. M. Manisha, Dr. C. Jothimanivannan, Mr. K. Arunkumar, Mr. P. Kesavan, Mr. P. Boopathi

.

Abstract

Bougainvillea spectabilis, which is often appreciated as a decorative "paper flower," is quickly becoming known as a potent medicinal plant with a wide range of therapeutic applications. This colorful plant of the Nyctaginaceae family, which has been used for centuries to treat diabetes, skin infections, and respiratory conditions, is abundant in phytochemicals such as flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins, and pinitol. According to recent research, it has strong pharmacological properties that include anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antibacterial, antihyperlipidemic, and antidiabetic activities. Its function in regulating oxidative stress, inflammation, and metabolic diseases has been supported by the identification of important bioactive compounds made possible by sophisticated techniques such as HPLC, GC-MS, and LC-MS/MS. Safety standardization, dosage optimization, and clinical validation are still lacking despite its extensive historical use and compelling preclinical data. In order to facilitate its incorporation into evidence-based herbal therapies, this review brings together the most recent research on B. spectabilis, emphasizing its phytochemistry, pharmacological profile, extraction techniques, and toxicity data.

Keywords: Bougainvillea spectabilis, Phytochemistry, Pharmacological activity, Herbal medicine, Anti-inflammatory, Antidiabetic, Extraction techniques, Traditional medicine.