A Pharmacognostical & Phyto Pharmacological Review of Terminalia Catappa: An Updated Retrospective Study

Terminalia catappa (commonly known as Indian almond, tropical almond.) is an extensive found tropical tree, which has garnered much attention worldwide due to its great ethnopharmacological, nutritional importance. This study is a review of various research papers on the taxonomy, morphology, phytochemistry, cultivation and pharmacological activities of T. catappa. It is a storehouse of phenolic compounds, flavonoids, triterpenoids, vitamins and essential fatty acids which imparts a multitude of biological activities. Pharmacological actions Antimicrobial activity.The phytochemical work of catappa has been demonstrated with the discovery of anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, anti-diabetic, hepatoprotective activities and anti-HIV. Its multiple therapeutic effects in in vitro and in vivo models have been proven across different organ systems like heart, metabolism, brain, immune systems. This review confirms the valuable multi-mechanistic action points of T.catappa and further highlights the importance of more extensive pharmacokinetic/toxicological/clinical evaluation for the effective utilization of T. catappa in evidence-based modern medicine.