The Indian cork tree- Millingtonia hortensis: Bridging traditional wisdom and modern medicine

Millingtonia hortensis, also referred to as the cork tree or Akash neem, is a medicinally important plant native to Southern Asia, including India, Burma, Thailand, and Southern China. It is commonly grown in Indian gardens and along roadsides, reaching heights of up to 25 m. The plant’s aromatic flowers are used to alleviate respiratory conditions, such as asthma and sinusitis, while its bark is valued for its lung-strengthening, anti-asthmatic, and antimicrobial properties. The leaves and roots also possess anti-asthmatic and antimicrobial properties. Additionally, research has shown that the plant exhibits a variety of biological activities, including antifungal, antibacterial, antioxidant, and liver protective properties. This paper aims to offer an in-depth review of the medicinal benefits, pharmacognostic features, phytochemical composition, and pharmacological effects of this plant.