Abstract

Decalepis hamiltonii is a climbing shrub with aromatic tuberous roots distributed in Southern parts of Peninsular India. Its tuberous roots are widely used as a health drink and are well known for its medicinal properties. D. hamiltonii is one of the important plants in Ayurvedic system of medicine in India and are used in curing various diseases like stomach disorders, gastric ulcers and to stimulate appetite. This plant has been used in the preparation of several herbal drugs like Amrutamataka taila, Drakshadi churna, Shatavari rasayana and Yeshtimadhu taila. In the present review, traditional uses, uses as food and health drinks, phytochemistry, pharmacology and conservation of this endangered species are highlighted. A number of phytochemical compounds have been isolated from this plant; of these, 2-hydroxy-4-methoxy benzaldehyde (HMB) is an abundant aromatic bioactive compound with greater biological significance. The tubers have antimicrobial, antipyretic, antiulcer, antidiabetic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, chemoprotective, cytoprotective, insecticidal, neuroprotective and hepatoprotective activities. Natural seed germination is very low in this species, that is, 6% because of hard seed coat, less seed dormancy period and due to self-incompatibility. In vivo and in vitro conservation methods have been standardized to this endangered taxon by studying seed germination, field cultivation methods and by developing rapid micropropagation techniques. Among different plant growth regulators tested, 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP) played a significant role in shoot multiplication, whereas, indole-3- butyric acid (IBA) and silver nitrate (AgNO₃) influence rooting efficiently. The review aims to provide sufficient baseline information for further works and commercial exploration. 

Key words: Decalepis hamiltonii, phytochemistry pharmacology, conservation.

Abbreviation

¹³C NMR, Carbon 13 NMR; ¹H NMR, proton NMR; 2,4-D, 2,4, dichlorophenoxyacetic acid; 2iP, isopentenyladenine; AC, activated charcoal; Ads, adeninesulphate; AgNO₃, Silver nitrate; ALP, alkaline phosphatase; ALT, alanine transaminase; AST, aspartate transaminase; BA, N6-benzyladenine; BAP, 6-benzylaminopurine; CAT, catalase; CFTRI, central food technological research institute; CoCl₂, cobalt chloride; CTX, cyclophosphamide; DNA, deoxyribonucleic acid; EAT, Ehrlich’s ascites tumour cells; ED, effective deposit; GA₃, gibberellic acid; GAE, gallic acid equivalent; GC, gas chromatography; GC-MS, gas chromatography mass spectroscopy; GOT, glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase; GPT, glutamate, pyruvate transaminase; GPX, glutathione peroxidase; GR, glutathione reductase; GSH, glutathione; GST, glutathione S-transferase; HDL, high density lipoproteins; HMB, 2-hydroxy-4-methoxy benzaldehyde; HPLC, high performance liquid chromatography; HPMCD, 4,(2,hydroxypropan,2,yl),1, methylcyclohexane,1,2,diol; IAA, indole-3-acetic acid; IBA, indole-3- butyric acid; IC, concentration of extract that provide inhibition; KN, kinetin; LC, lethal concentration; LDH, lactate dehydrogenase; LDL, low density lipoproteins; LOO, lipid peroxide; LPO, lipid peroxidation; MIC, minimal inhibitory concentration; MID, minimum inhibitory dose; MMPs, matrix metalloproteinases; MS, mass spectroscopy; MS medium, Murashige and Skoog medium; NAA, α-naphthaleneacetic acid; NMR, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy; NO, nitric oxide; O₂, superoxide; OH, hydroxyl; PAA, phenyl acetic acid; PG, phloroglucinol; Rf, resolution or retardation factor; ROS, reactive oxygen species; SGOT, serum glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase; SGPT, serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase; SOD, super oxide dismutase; SRAE, aqueous extract of swallow root; SRPP, pectic polysaccharide from swallow root; TBARS, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances; TC, total cholesterol; TDZ, thidiazuron; TG, triglycerides; TLC, thin layer chromatography; TRIA, triacontanol; VLDL, very low density lipoproteins; WBC, white blood cells.