PLANT REVIEW: Butea monosperma

Abstract

Butea monosperma (Lam.) Kuntze (Syn. Butea frondosa; Family Fabaceae) , This is a moderate sized deciduous tree which is widely distributed throughout India , Burma and Ceylon, popularly known as 'dhak' or 'palas', commonly known as ‘Flame of forest’. The family Fabaceae compromises of 630 genera and 18,000 species. The crude extracts of various parts and pure isolates of Butea monosperma was reported to possess antibacterial, antifungal, hypoglycemic, anti-inflammatory activities. Butea monosperma have been found to possess tonic, astringent, aphrodisiac and diuretics properties. The widespread uses of Butea monosperma in traditional systems of medicine have resulted in their extensive chemical analysis for their bio-active principles. This article briefly reviews the botany, chemistry and pharmacology of Butea monosperma (Lam) Kuntze.