Lannea coromandelica (Houtt.) Merr.: A Comprehensive Review of Its Ethnomedicinal Uses, Phytochemistry and Pharmacological Activity.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Lannea coromandelica (Houtt.) Merr., a deciduous tropical tree of the Anacardiaceae family, is traditionally used in Asian ethnomedicine to treat diabetes, skin diseases, ulcers, inflammation, and microbial infections. This review aims to consolidate current knowledge on its ethnomedicinal applications, phytochemistry, pharmacology, and toxicology to assess its therapeutic potential.

METHODS

A systematic literature search was conducted from January to April 2025 using Web of Science, PubMed, Science Direct, and Google Scholar. Approximately 115 papers were initially screened, with 86 selected for comprehensive review. The data covered publications from 2011 to 2025, focusing on keywords related to L. coromandelica and associated terms.

RESULTS

Phytochemical studies revealed diverse bioactive constituents, including flavonoids (quercetin, morin), phenolic acids (gallic acid, protocatechuic acid), triterpenes (oleanolic acid, myricadiol), and sterols (β-sitosterol). Pharmacological investigations demonstrated antidiabetic, antioxidant, anticancer, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anti-ulcer, antihistaminic, and analgesic effects. Extracts significantly reduced hyperglycemia, improved lipid profiles, scavenged free radicals, and inhibited tumor growth in experimental models. Toxicology assessments indicated a high safety margin with no observed toxicity or mortality at doses above 3000 mg/kg in animals.

CONCLUSION

L. coromandelica exhibits promising pharmacological activities and safety, highlighting its potential as a source for novel phytotherapeutics. Nonetheless, further studies on chronic toxicity, pharmacokinetics, and mechanisms of action are essential to support clinical development.