Title:Phytomolecules, Pharmacology, and Medicinal Values of the Butea Monosperma (Palash) Flower
Volume: 20
Issue: 1
Author(s): Ishu Garg*, Shivani Rawat, Urmi Chaurasia and Veerma Ram
Affiliation:
- Department of Pharmacy, Sardar Bhagwan Singh University, Balawala, Dehradun, Uttarakhand-248161, India
Keywords:
Butea monosperma flowers, phytomolecules, ethanobotanical, medicinal values, flavonoids, flavone glycoside.
Abstract:
Introduction: Butea monosperma, or Palash or Flame of the Forest, is a plant with medicinal
versatility. Every morphological structure of the plant has a unique medicinal value. The
stems, bark, roots, leaves, and flowers all contain distinct compositions of phytoconstituents with
varying pharmacological activities and medicinal uses. The flowers of Butea monosperma, commonly
known as “tesu ka phool” or “palash flowers,” possess many unambiguous phytoconstituents
with superior medicinal values. The flowers consist of numerous phytoconstituents, among which
Butrin, Isobutrin, Butein, Formononetin, Isoliquiritigenin, Liquiritigenin, and Flavone glycoside are
the most prominent.
Methods: Review articles and research papers from reputable journals regarding Butea monosperma
flowers have been thoroughly analyzed. Extensive readings and discussions were conducted to
summarize researchers' findings concerning the pharmacology and medicinal properties of the phytoconstituents
present in palash flowers.
Results: This review examines various types of research that discuss the ethnomedicinal uses of
Butea monosperma flowers. Additionally, the pharmacology and medical applications of its phytoconstituents
are addressed. Furthermore, the chemical structures and classifications of the phytoconstituents
are examined.
Discussion: Among several phytoconstituents, Butrin, Isobutrin, Butein, Formononetin, Isoliquiritigenin,
Liquiritigenin, and Flavone glycoside were prominently studied, highlighting the medicinal
values of the palash flowers. Various researchers have concluded that these phytoconstituents are
responsible for the flower’s anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-dopaminergic, anti-neoplastic, and
antifungal activities. Despite a long list of pharmacological activities and medicinal properties, the
flower has been minimally explored for treating various health issues.
Conclusion: The review examined the various active phytoconstituents of palash flowers and their
associated medicinal properties. They provide benefits for ailments such as vitiligo and psoriasis,
possess anti-cancer properties, exhibit neuroprotective effects, and address reproductive issues.
However, the accurate interpretation of the mechanism of the plash flower extract and its phytoconstituents
is limited by the absence of pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic research. The review
directs the formulation of phytopharmaceuticals.
