Pharmacognosy Reviews Vol 1, Issue 2, Jul-Dec, 2007 PHCOG REV. An official Publication of Phcog.Net Phcog Mag.: Review Article Research and Medicinal Potential of the genus Cestrum (Solanaceae) – A Review A. Sajeli Begum* and Madhur Goyal Department of Pharmaceutics, Institute of Technology, anaras Hindu University, Varanasi-221005, India. Author for correspondence*E-mail:
[email protected] ABSTRACT The genus Cestrum belonging to Solanaceae family comprises about 300 species. Cestrum , which was mainly distributed in South America ranges from Southern Florida and Northern Mexico to Chile is now distributed all over the world as an ornamental plant. The genus is rich in saponins and most of the species exhibit toxicity supporting their use as potential insecticide, herbicide, molluscicide, antimicrobial agent and anticancer agent. A characteristic species of this genus, Cestrum diurnum is known for its calcinogenic potential, which can be used as a source of vitamin D in poultry. The present review explores the distribution, chemical composition, pharmacological activity and traditional uses of different species of genus Cestrum. KEY WORDS : Cestrum , Solanaceae, Cestrum diurnum , calcinogenesis, vitamin D 3, saponins. INTRODUCTION Plants are considered to be promising source of medicine in used in Chilean folk medicine as antifebrile and for the the traditional health care system. The efficacy and safety of treatment of fever and inflammation (4). Chinese people use herbal medicine have turned the major pharmaceutical leaves of C. nocturnum for their pharmacological significance population towards medicinal plant’s research. In view of the in burns and swellings. It is also used for treating epilepsy and widespread interest on Solanaceous plants, this work reviews as stupefying charm medicine in West Indian Islands.