LEUCAENA LEUCOCEPHALA: A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW OF ITS PHYTOCHEMISTRY, PHARMACOLOGICAL ACTIVITIES, AND NUTRITIONAL SIGNIFICANCE

Leucaena leucocephala trees are commonly known as white lead trees. It is indigenous to Northern Central America and Southern Mexico, and it is found in many tropical and subtropical regions. It can be used for a variety of purposes, including providing shade and preventing soil erosion, as well as producing fuel, timber, greens, feed, and green manure. Its many pharmacological characteristics have led to its usage in medicine. Numerous secondary metabolites, including alkaloids, cardiac glycosides, tannins, flavonoids, saponins, and glycosides, have been found in this plant, according to studies. It is used as an abortifacient, contraceptive, and stomachache remedy in traditional medicine. The current paper discusses Leucaena leucocephala's worldwide distribution, classification, chemical makeup, pharmacological actions, and possible applications.