A review on Anti-microbial potential of Murrya koeingii

Abstract

Medicinal plants have been used for healing purposes for thousands of years. In many rural and tribal areas, they are still a primary source of healthcare because they are easily available, affordable, and trusted. The study of how people use plants for medicine is called ethnobotany. It combines knowledge from different fields such as botany, medicine, culture, history, and ecology. In recent years, there has been growing global interest in herbal medicines and traditional healing systems, leading to more scientific research on medicinal plants. One such plant is Murraya koenigii, commonly known as curry leaf. It is not only used as a spice in Indian cooking but also valued for its many health benefits. In traditional Indian medicine, different parts of this plant—especially the leaves—are used to treat various illnesses. The leaves are used as a health tonic and help in improving digestion. They are also believed to reduce symptoms like vomiting, dysentery, and stomach disorders. Additionally, they are used to treat conditions such as piles, body heat, inflammation, and skin itching. The plant also has anti-worm, pain-relieving, and thirst-quenching properties. Because of the wide range of traditional uses, scientists have taken an interest in studying the plant more deeply. Research has shown that Murraya koenigii may have several important medicinal effects. These include benefits for heart health, lowering blood sugar levels, reducing cholesterol, fighting infections, protecting against ulcers, reducing oxidative stress, and even showing potential in cancer treatment. It also has properties that support the immune system and help control diarrhea. This review focuses on the ethnobotanical uses, plant characteristics (pharmacognosy), chemical makeup (phytochemistry), and healing properties (pharmacology) of Murraya koenigii. The plant is widely used by different tribal communities across India, and ongoing research supports many of its traditional uses. As a result, Murraya koenigii is gaining recognition as an important plant in both traditional and modern medicine.