Title: “Erythrina variegata L.” The Coral Tree: A Review
Authors: Preeti Kumari, Chandrawati Kumari
DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.18535/jmscr/v5i8.119
Abstract
Traditional Health System recommends use of plant extract which continues to provide health coverage to a large population especially in developing countries. In recent year, interest in formulating plant based medicine has grown rapidly. The global medicine markets have high demand of herbal plants extract and this demand is increasing day by day. Medicinal Plants are source of many noble drugs compounds. Secondary metabolites are a source of biological active natural products with high potential in various ailments. Erythrina variegata L. commonly called “Coral plant” show the presence of alkaloids, flavanoids, glycosides, steroids, phenols, tannins, saponins and resins in different solvent leaf extract. 50 numbers of Farmers/ Natives were interviewed with a structural questionnaire in order to understand the utilization of this plant in different areas. Most of the participants (85%) responded positively for the medicinal use of the coral plant, especially its leaves, roots and barks whereas some respondents are not clear. This plant is also utilized for general shade and shade tree (63%), Fence making (39%), food (22%), animal feed (28%) and burning wood (68%). Overall the tree is in general regarded as a beautiful, ornamental, green canopy, highly useful plant by Patnaites. The nutritive values of the leaves extract of Erythrina variegata was analysed and the leaf extract is moderate in nutrition and important constitute such as Protein, Fibre, Tannins, Ca, P, Mg, K, Na & S. However, its consumption by human is not in practice but the foliage of the plant is extensively consumed by animals. The result indicated presence of 278 g/Kg DM (Dry material), 79mg Ash, 175 mg Crude protein, 610 Nutrient detergent fibre, 340 Acid detergent fibre, Crude tannins, Calcium, Phosphorus, Magnesium, Potash, Sodium and Sulphur respectively. The leaf extract was found to be rich in potassium (K), moderate in Magnesium and poor in Sodium. The proximate analysis of standardization of Erythrina leaf was conducted, the result indicate the presence of Ash, Water- soluble ash, Acid- soluble ash, Ethanol soluble extractive, Water soluble extractive, Chloroform soluble extractive, Ethyl acetate soluble extractive and Loss on Drying percentage. This shows that the crude drugs assessing its genuineness and mitigating adulteration. The presence of inorganic ions in plants is necessary for vital activity. The qualitative inorganic ions analysis of Erythrina variegata revealed the presence of Iron, Magnesium, Potassium, Sodium, Calcium, Nitrate, Phosphorus and the absence of Sulphate and Chloride. This plant can be used as a better alternative against variety of degenerative diseases. The Coral plant “Erythrina variegata L.” is highly potential medicinal plant of multiple uses, commonly found all over in and around the city of Patna. However, the people are largely, unaware of its Nutritive, Medicinal and useful value, resulting in continuous decrease in its population by cutting and uprooting.
KEYWORDS: “Erythrina variegata L.”
