A Review on Sterculia foetida Linn

Sterculia foetida Linn., (Sterculiaceae) known as Wild Almond or Java olive is an attractive umbrella shaped spreading tree. Traditionally, leaves as well as the seeds have important medicinal values as they contain Sterculic acid(53%) as a constituent which has proven to have interesting pharmacological applications such as anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic and anti-obesity potentials. The tree yield edible seeds rich in fat (30-36%) and protein 11.4%. Traditionally leaves and bark are used as aperient, diaphoretic, diuretic and also used in the treatment of rheumatism, obesity, gonorrhoea, dropsy, skin diseases etc,. The plant is rich in fatty acids and flavonoids. This review summarizes the overall research of phytochemical and pharmacological activities of Sterculia foetida in the recent years.