Mini review on Mallotus phillipinensis (Lam.) Muell. Arg. (Kampillaka)

H.G.S.P. Hewageegana, L.D.A.M. Arawwawala

Abstract

Mallotus philippinensis (Lam.) Muell. Arg. (Family: Euphorbiaceae) is a medicinally important common perennial tree used in indigenous systems of medicine. It is distributed chiefly in the tropical and subtropical regions of the world. Though, it is a drug of herbal origin it has been categorized as one among eight Sadharana rasa in Rasa-shastra (Ayurveda study of minerals and metals) of Ayurveda pharmacopoeia. M. philippinensis is included in Virecana ghana of Ayurveda medicine. Specially roots, fruits and fruit powder and the leaves are used for medicinal purposes. Leaves are bitter, cooling and appetizer, the glands/hairs of the fruit and the leaves are recommended for dermal problems. Many scientific investigations have been carried out to validate and investigate the pharmacological activities of M. philippinensis. In the present study, an attempt was taken to summarize distribution, morphology, traditional uses and scientific investigations on M. philippinensis.

¹ Institute of Indigenous Medicine, University of Colombo, Sri Lanka.
² Industrial Technology Institute, Bauddhaloka Mawatha, Colombo 7, Sri Lanka
*Correspondence: H.G.S.P. Hewageegana, Senior Lecturer, Department of Kayachikitsa, Institute of Indigenous Medicine, University of Colombo, Sri Lanka. Email: sujathahgsp@yahoo.com