Traditional, Current and Prospective Therapeutic Uses of Muntingia calabura: A Comprehensive Literature Review

Muntingia calabura is a blooming evergreen plant. This plant has a unique traditional significance in different parts of the world. Based on traditional value pre-clinical research being conducted around the world, including identified phytochemicals responsible for various pharmacological activities. This review focuses on the taxonomical classification, worldwide geographical distribution, isolated constituents, traditional importance, therapeutic activity as well as the toxicity of the plant extract on animals. All the data included in this article was gathered from different online search engines. As a result of the survey signified that this plant has several traditional utilization-like headaches, tranquilizer, antispasmodic, including colds, gastric ulcers, antibacterial, insomnia and so on. Modern scientific studies have revealed that M. calabura has significant pharmacological properties, such as gastroprotective, anti-cancer, hepatoprotective, anti-bacterial and anti-diabetic, which are attributed to various phytochemicals found in various parts of the plant which are identified by using various techniques. This review focuses on ethnomedicinal applications, phytochemicals, toxicity and pharmacological properties, as well as continuing pre-clinical trials. Moreover, the review’s findings will be valuable in building a full plant profile, which will support the investigator in subsequent research and fill in the gaps in clinical investigations.