DILLENIA INDICA LINN.-A MULTIPURPOSE MEDICINAL PLANT OF ASSAM

Dillenia indica is a well known medicinal plant which thrives in varied agro-climates. It is native to Northeast India, but is widely distributed throughout the Himalayan range. Various studies on the plant reveals the presence of diverse biologically active chemical compounds associated with curing different ailments such as diabetes, inflammations, diarrhea, cancer, ulcer, microbial diseases, hematic disease, hepatic problems, dental problems, cardiovascular problems, hyperlipidmia and others. Most of the biological activities are contributed by the wide varieties of compounds present in fruit and leaves of D.indica. Various scientific investigations have proved that Proanthocyanidins and 3,5,7-Trihydroxy-2-(4'-hydroxy-benzyl)-chroman-4-one present in the fruit of D.indica are responsible for minimizing the severity of diabetes and diabetic nephropathy. Betulinic acid isolated from D.indica has anticancer property. In addition to the therapeutic properties, the mucilage of D.indica is used as an important ingredient of various pharmaceutical formulations. Various factors affecting the chemical composition of D.indica such as temperature, annual season rainfall, Ph, harvest date, climate, land and cultivation methods are discussed in this review. In view of the medicinal and pharmaceutical importance of the plant, it is quite worthy to review the active constituents and clinical effectiveness of D.indica.