A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW: ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL STUDY OF DODONAEA VISCOSE

This investigation examines the phytochemical profile and pharmacological properties of the genus Dodonaea, a taxonomic group of flowering plants within the family Sapindaceae. Although species in this genus are widely used in traditional medicine and distributed across biodiverse regions such as the Indian subcontinent, their therapeutic efficacy remains relatively underexplored within contemporary biomedicine. Phytochemical profiling of Dodonaea viscosa demonstrates a rich concentration of bioactive secondary metabolites, notably alkaloids, Flavonoids, tannins, saponins, steroids, phytosterols, triterpenoids, and essential oils. Ethnomedicinal accounts document the use of crude plant extracts—derived mainly from leaves, stems, and fruits to manage a range of physiological disorders, including inflammatory conditions, gastrointestinal distress, infectious diseases, and reproductive system dysfunctions. Empirical evaluations further confirm that these botanical extracts exert significant biological effects, showcasing antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-diabetic, hepatoprotective, and antispasmodic capabilities. Consequently, this review synthesizes current knowledge regarding the genus Dodonaea, detailing its botanical features, ethnobotanical applications, phytochemical composition, pharmacological attributes, and potential agricultural utility.