Mesua ferrea L.: A review of the medical evidence for its phytochemistry and pharmacological actions

The plant kingdom provides many plants with properties which are conducive to health and to secure the best results from the use of the plants as remedial agencies. Mesua ferrea Linn (Nagakesar) is a rare plant which is traditionally being used for its antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, blood purifier, anthelmintic, cardiotonic, diuretic, expectorant, antipyretic, purgative, antiasthmatic, antiallergic and several other effects. The scientific screening of the plant confirms its antioxidant, hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory, central nervous system (CNS) depressant, analgesic, antimicrobial, antispasmodic, antineoplastic, antivenom and immunostimulant activity. The phytochemical screening confirms the presence of phenyl coumarins, xanthones, triterpenoids, fats and flavanoids as main constituents responsible for its biological activity. It is a substitute for petroleum gasoline. It is also used in cosmetics, as fire wood and the polymer obtained from seed oil is used in the preparation of resins. The present review summarizes the phyto-pharmacological role of this valuable medicinal plant.   Key words: Mesua ferrea, traditional medicinal uses, phytochemical screening, pharmacological activities.