Nutritional and medicinal potential of Grewia subinaequalis DC. (syn. G. asiatica.) (Phalsa)

Abstract

Grewia subinaequalis DC. (syn. G. asiatica) (Phalsa) is a food plant and can also be used as an herbal medicine for the treatment of various diseases. In traditional folklore medicine, the fruit has been used as astringent, stomachic and cooling agent. When unripe, it has been reported to alleviate inflammation and was administered in respiratory, cardiac and blood disorders, as well as in fever. Root and bark has been prescribed for rheumatism and its infusion used as a demulcent. The leaves were applied on skin eruptions. A number of therapeutic research was carried out on different part of this plant like fruits, leaves, stem etc. The plant possess antioxidant, antidiabetic, antihyperglycaemic, radioprotective, antimicrobial, hepatoprotective, antifertility, antifungal, analgesic, antipyeretic and antiviral activities. This review focuses on the botanical description, phytochemistry, nutritional studies and pharmacological properties of this plant.   Key words: Grewia subinaequalis, Grewia asiatica, phytochemistry, pharmacological properties.