2024, Vol. 12, Issue 2, Part A

Background: The term "therapeutic plant" generally refers to plants that have medicinal properties and are used for various health benefits. Many cultures throughout history have recognized the healing properties of certain plants and have incorporated them into traditional medicine systems. The background of therapeutic plants is rich and diverse, encompassing a wide range of species and traditions.

Plant profile with therapeutic effects: Alstonia scholaris, commonly known as the "Indian Devil Tree" or "Saptaparni," is a tropical evergreen tree native to Southeast Asia, South Asia, and Australia. It belonging to the family Apocynaceae. This tree has several traditional uses and is known for its medicinal properties in various traditional medicine systems. Here is a profile of Alstonia scholaris, including some of its therapeutic effects: It is a tall, straight tree that can reach heights of up to 40 meters with smooth, glossy, light gray bark and elliptical leaves which arranged in whorls. The tree produces small, white, fragrant flowers in clusters. The fruit is a long, narrow follicle containing numerous seeds with a tuft of silky hairs. The bark, root, leaves contain various secondary metabolites which contribute to its medicinal. Traditional medicinal uses of this plant to treat respiratory condition and also having antimalarial, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, anti-microbial effects. In traditional cultures, sometimes this plant associated with religious or cultural practices also valued for its timber, which is used in construction and woodworking.

Discussion: Many scientific studies are done to identify the medicinal properties of many plants for the development of society, this plant is also part of the research. This plant had many traditional uses and this is the only reason to conduct various researches on this plant.