Abstract

Shorea robusta Gaertn. (Sal) has been commonly used in Indian traditional medicine for treatment of various ailments such as circulatory, digestive, endocrine, respiratory and skeletal systems as well as in infectious diseases. The present review on its botany, traditional uses, pharmacological activities and phytochemistry which provides preliminary information to explore its therapeutic potential and future research opportunities. The phytochemical studies have shown the presence of many secondary metabolites belonging to terpenoids, flavonoids, carbohydrate, lignans, phenols and sterols. Crude extracts and isolated compounds from Shorea robusta show a wide spectrum of pharmacological activities, such as anti-inflammatory, anti-obesity, antimicrobial, wound healing, antinociceptive, kairomonal, immunomodulatory anti-pyretic & analgesic activities. Many studies have provided evidence for various traditional uses. The present review is, therefore, an effort to give a detailed survey of the literature on its traditional, pharmacognosy, phytochemistry and pharmacological uses. The outcome of these studies will further expand the existing therapeutic potential of S. robusta and provide a convincing support to its future clinical use in modern medicine.

Key words: Ayurveda, Shorea robusta, Phytochemistry, Sacred tree, Traditional uses