A Comprehensive Review of Croton joufra

Abstract

Croton joufra, a traditional medicinal plant in the north-eastern region of India, continues to be an active member of folk medicine in the treatment of various diseases and ailments, mainly used to treat helminthic intestinal infections. This review paper aims to highlight some of the medicinal values and extraction techniques used to obtain the extract. Studies have shown that qualitative screening tests of extracts from different parts of the plant have detected terpenoids, tannins, alkaloids, flavonoids, glycosides and reducing sugars. Among the extraction solvents used, chloroform extraction of Croton joufra leaves is considered the most effective extraction. These results indicate that Croton joufra may have various unexplored medicinal values in addition to its existing uses. In addition to medicinal uses, this plant is also popular among locals for secondary purposes. Since this plant is abundant in the north-eastern region of India in association with other useful plants, it is an incentive for researchers to explore it further. Future investigation may unearth more medicinal uses of this plant, which will be announced in the future.