Natures Answer to PCOS: Exploring the Therapeutic Potential of Caesalpinia bonducella

Abstract

Caesalpinia bonducella (L.) Fleming, also known as Caesalpinia bonduc (L.) Roxb. and Caesalpinia crista Linn., belongs to the family Caesalpiniaceae. It is a spiny shrub found worldwide, particularly in India, Sri Lanka, and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, thriving mainly in tropical regions. This plant is highly valued in traditional medicine due to its therapeutic properties, with all parts being utilized for medicinal purposes. It has been reported to exhibit a wide range of pharmacological activities, including anxiolytic, antinociceptive, antidiarrheal, antidiabetic, adaptogenic, anthelmintic, antiestrogenic, anti-inflammatory, antimalarial, antimicrobial, antifungal, antispasmodic, antioxidant, antiproliferative, antipsoriatic, antitumor, larvicidal, muscle contractile, hepatoprotective, anticonvulsant, and antifilarial effects. Phytochemical analysis of its seeds has identified the presence of various bioactive compounds such as alkaloids, flavonoids, glycosides, saponins, tannins, and triterpenoids.

Introduction

Medicinal plants are vital in global healthcare for treating diseases and maintaining wellness, with their therapeutic effects linked to specific bioactive compounds extracted by various methods. Many pharmaceutical drugs originate from plant extracts, which are used for conditions like cardiovascular, liver, neurological, and metabolic disorders.

Caesalpinia bonducella Overview

• Scientific Classification: Belongs to the Fabaceae family, widely found in tropical regions including India and Sri Lanka.

• Physical Description: A thorny shrub with bipinnate leaves, pale yellow flowers, spiny pods, and distinctive gray, eyeball-like seeds known as "Kuberakshi" in Sanskrit.

• Bioactive Components: Contains alkaloids, flavonoids, glycosides, saponins, tannins, and triterpenoids.

• Traditional Names: Known as Karanjwa in Unani medicine and has various names in Ayurveda, Siddha, and vernacular languages.

Medicinal Uses and Pharmacology

• Used traditionally to treat inflammation, fever, boils, malaria, skin diseases, hydrocele, and leprosy.

• Pharmacological properties include anxiolytic, antinociceptive, antidiarrheal, antifilarial, antiviral, antibacterial, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory effects.

• Seed kernels are employed as tonics, febrifuges, and in treating convulsions, paralysis, and respiratory issues.

• Recognized in Ayurveda and Unani medicine for managing tumors, cysts, asthma, and various infections.

Caesalpinia bonducella and PCOS

• Effective in managing Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), a hormonal disorder in women involving ovarian dysfunction and metabolic symptoms.

• Traditionally, decoctions and pastes from the seeds are used for respiratory and skin ailments.

Traditional Preparations and Applications

• Seeds used externally for boils and swellings, internally for fever, liver disorders, and digestive problems.

• Used as a dentifrice for gum ailments.

• Mixed with other herbs and substances in various Ayurvedic and Unani formulations.

• Powdered seed kernels are part of classical remedies for orchitis, ovaritis, and scrofula.

Habitat and Distribution

• Grows in hedges, forests, plains, and sacred groves.

• Distributed across tropical regions globally and cultivated as a hedge plant.

Conclusion

The significant nutraceutical potential of this plant, owing to its effectiveness and versatility, highlights the need for further in-depth research. Acute toxicity studies have confirmed its safety for human consumption, making it suitable for use in commercial nutraceutical formulations. Additionally, the plant exhibits a range of pharmacological effects across various diseases and conditions, establishing it as a valuable asset for the Indian nutraceutical industry.

References

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Copyright

Copyright © 2025 Vadnere Asmita G., Yadav Nilima H.. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.