Background: Opuntia elatior Mill.(Cactaceae), a folklore plant known as Nagaphani or Hathlo-thore is widely available
across the globe and in India, widely prevalent in the state of Gujarat. Different parts of this xerophytic perennial bushy
shrub of 1-3 m tall like stem, flowers, fruits, thorn, leaves are used in traditionally to combat different diseases conditions.
Though used widely, single hand information about its ethno-botanical, phytochemical and pharmacological action is
lacking.
Aim: The present study was planned to review the different ethno-botanical uses, phytochemical and Pharmacological properties of Opuntia elatior Mill.
Materials and Methods: Opuntia elatior Mill. was searched from available literature, with regards to its ethno-botanical uses and latest research carried out on its phytochemical and pharmacological properties, from different web based search engines.
Results: Present review revealed that O. elatior is being used traditionally in different disease condition like abscess & wound, burning sensation in the stomach, diabetes, diphtheria, asthma and anemia. The principal constituents present in the plant are â-sitosterol, opuntiol and opuntiol acetate. Plant shows notable pharmacological activities such as haematinic, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, anti-leukemic and anti-ulcer activity including its safety reports during acute toxic study.
Conclusion: The observations of present review regarding the ethno-medicinal uses as well as phytochemical and pharmacological properties of O. elatior may give a lead to for the research on this plant.
Key words: Ethnobotany, Hematinic, Nagaphani, Opuntia elatior, Pharmacology, Phytochemical
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