Bridelia Montana Wild.: An Ethnomedicinal Plant Advancing Toward Evidence-Based Therapeutics

Bridelia montana Wild., a lesser-known yet pharmacologically significant plant belonging to the family Phyllanthaceae, has been traditionally used in Ayurvedic and folk medicine across India and Southeast Asia. This review comprehensively explores its botanical characteristics, ethnomedicinal applications, phytochemical constituents, and diverse pharmacological properties. Scientific studies have demonstrated that B. montana and its allied species exhibit potent antioxidant, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, antimicrobial, and potential anticancer activities, attributed primarily to bioactive compounds such as flavonoids, tannins, and alkaloids. Acute and sub-chronic toxicity studies suggest a favourable safety profile, reinforcing its long-standing traditional use. Despite its therapeutic promise, research gaps remain in areas such as clinical validation, mechanism of action, and standardization of bioactive extracts. Moreover, threats to wild populations from overharvesting underscore the need for conservation and sustainable utilization. This review highlights the immense potential of Bridelia montana as a source of novel therapeutic agents and calls for advanced interdisciplinary studies to facilitate its integration into modern phytomedicine and drug development pipelines.