Tectona grandis (teak) - A review on its phytochemical and therapeutic potential.

Tectona grandis Linn (Teak), is locally known as Sagwan, belongs to Lamiaceae family. It is one of the most valuable timber in the world, due to its beautiful surface and its resistance to termite and fungal damage. The main active ingredient compounds that are responsible for these action are tectoquinone, lapachol and deoxylapachol. Naphthoquinones, anthraquinones and isoprenoid quinones are abundant metabolites in teak. In addition to these, teak contains several other phytochemicals such as triterpenoids, steroids, lignans, fatty esters and phenolic compounds. Pharmacologically, the plant has been investigated for antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-pyretic, cytotoxic, analgesic, hypoglycemic, wound healing and antiplasmodial activities. The present review highlights the phytochemical and pharmacological aspects of teak.