Chemical constituents and pharmacological activities of Mirabilis jalapa- A review

Mirabilis jalapa was used traditionally in the treatment of kidney infections, as diuretic, tonic, cathartic, purgative and emetic. The phytochemical screening of the extracts of the leaves and stems of the Mirabilis jalaparevealed the presence of tannins, alkaloids, flavonoids, phenolic compounds, carbohydrates, terpenes, glycosides, saponins, protein, cardiac glycosides, steroids and emodin. The previous pharmacological studies revealed that Mirabilis jalapa possessed wide range of pharmacological and therapeutic effects included antimicrobial, antiparasitic, dermatological, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antidiabetic, antihistaminic, immune-modulatory, antispasmodic and many other pharmacological effects. The chemical constituents, nutritional, pharmacological and therapeutic effects ofMirabilis jalapawere discussed in the current review.