Pareek Anil et al. IRJP 2012, 3 (6) INTERNATIONAL RESEARCH JOURNAL OF PHARMACY www.irjponline.com ISSN 2230 – 8407 Review Article PHYTOCHEMICALS AND BIOLOGICAL ACTIVITIES OF FAGONIA INDICA Pareek Anil*, Batra Nikhil, Goyal Manoj, Nagori Badri Prakash Lachoo Memorial College of Science and Technology (Pharmacy Wing), Jodhpur- 342 003, Rajasthan, India Article Received on: 18/04/12 Revised on: 20/05/12 Approved for publication: 28/05/12 *Email:
[email protected] ABSTRACT Fagonia Indica (family Zygophyllaceae) is a small spiny under-shrub, mostly found in the deserts of Asia and Africa. It is widely used is Ayurvedic system of medicine to treat vitiated conditions since this plant was antioxidant, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, astringent, febrifuge and prophylactic against small-pox agents. There are reports providing scientific evidences for antimicrobial, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant activities of this plant. These activities were attributed to the presence of a variety of active ingredients including triterpenoidal saponins , flavonol glycosides, ursolic and oleanolic acids either alone or with their derivatives. A comprehensive account of the morphology, photochemical constituents, ethanobotanical uses and pharmacological activities reported are included in this review for exploring the immense medicinal potential of this plant. Keywords : Fagonia Indica, zygophyllaceae, antioxidant, saponins, flavonoids INTRODUCTION Specific epithet: indica - Burm.f. Herbal medicines have been the main source of primary Botanical name: - Fagonia indica Burm.f. health care in many nations. The plants as medicine are used MORPHOLOGY in different system of medicine such as Ayurveda, Allopathy, Fagonia indica is prfused branched, pale-green, glandular, Unani, Homeopathy and even in other system. About 80% of annual or perennial shurblets upto 60 cm high; internodes the world’s populations are still dependent on traditional 2.5-5.0 cm long.