Comparative Biochemical Evaluation on Nutraceutic and Phytotherapeutic Properties of Mengkudu and Midshipman’s Butter – Review

Background: Rasayana is a branch of Ayurveda which deals with the ability of the herb to bestow upon the body enhanced capacity of warding off infections and delaying the ageing process. Indigenous natural products have become the alternative way to replace the synthetic medicine.

Aim: This review gives an account of the current knowledge on the Pharmacognosy, phytochemistry and pharmacological aspects of Mengkudu (Morinda citrifolia-Rubiaceae) and Midshipman’s butter (Persea americana- Lauraceae), the ethno medicinal plants.

Nutraceutics: A wide range of phytoconstituents mainly alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenoids, phenolics, vitamins, minerals and many more compounds whose activities have been proved are present in both the fruit extracts.

Pharmacology: The fruits of both plants have been used in traditional medicines to prevent, treat, and cure both communicable and non communicable diseases.

Conclusion: The present review includes detailed epidemiology, phytochemistry, and pharmacological aspects of aqueous extracts of fruits of Mengkudu and Midshipman’s butter in an attempt to provide a direction for further research.