A Review of Lagerstroemia speciosa: Pride of India

Abstract

Lagerstroemia speciosa (Lythraceae) has several common names, which reflect its attractive and colourful pink or purple flowers. Native to South and Southeast Asia, L. speciosa is a common ornamental tree planted along roadsides, and in gardens and parks. The species has been traditionally used in folk medicine as remedy for illnesses and ailments, particularly for lowering blood sugar level, reducing body weight, and as a remedy for diabetes. Lagerstroemia speciosa is commonly known as crape myrtle belonging to the Lythraceae family. Lagerstroemia speciosa or Banaba is a medicinal tree traditionally used to lower blood sugar in the body.The flower extracts of the species has some pharmacological properties like antioxidant and anit-microbial activities.whereas fruit extracts reported anti-nociceptive,anti-diabetic and xanthine oxidase inhibition,diuretic,decongestant activities and roots are applied for treating mouth ulcers. In addition to that bark is used to relieve the abdominal pains.The species also has essential metals like sodium, potassium,iron,zinc and magnesium which were clinically proved.Thus these reviews will emphasis on the phyto-constituents and biological activities of the plant which will heal and cure mankind for healthy living.