PHYTOPHARMACOLOGICAL REVIEW OF KNEMA ATTENUATA (HOOK F. AND THOMSON) WARB

Knema attenuata, a member of Myristicaceae family and commonly known to world as ‘wild nutmeg’ is broadly used in folk medicine for treating ailments such as jaundice, chronic fever, inflammations, spleen disorders, breathing disorders and impaired taste sensation. This review article aims to compile all the updated information on the phytochemical and pharmacological activities of plant Knema attenuata. Studies indicate that different parts such as aril, seed and stem bark of the plant is rich in phenolics, flavonoids, tannins, steroids, terpenes, resins and glycolipids. Moreover, stem bark of Knema attenuata contains a lignan ‘attenuol’ with diverse pharmacological activities. In addition, different extracts of plant parts have been found to possess various pharmacological activities such as antioxidant, antifungal, larvicidal, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antihyperlipidemic, and hepatoprotective activities. More research on phytochemical composition and therapeutic implications are recommended.