An overview on the phytopharmacological insights into Gloriosa superba L. (Kalahari): a promising endangered plant species

Gloriosa superba L. is a well-known perennial creeper of Liliaceae family. It is widely distributed in Africa and South East Asia. Presence of various alkaloids such as colchicines, colchicoside and Gloriosine endow it immense potential for the treatment of number of various conditions and diseases such as intestinal worms, bruises, skin problems, infertility, impotence and arthritis. Moreover, this plant is reported to possess antimicrobial, larvicidal, antithrombotic, antitumor, analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity. Therefore, keeping such a multipronged approach of Gloriosa superba L. this review aims to sum up updated and comprehensive information about phytochemistry, pharmacology, usage, applications and toxicity of Gloriosa superba L. Gloriosa superba L. has been used as a potential medicinal plant for the treatment of various diseases since ages. Recently, extensive studies conducted throughout the globe are addressing the serious concern of extinction of this plant due to its exhaustive use. Therefore, cultivation of this plant utilizing the modern era techniques followed by its conservation is great call of the hour. Large portion of the people especially rural populations still depends upon herbal and folklore medicines in the management of diseases due to their easy availability and cost effectiveness. Ascribed to excessive use of the plant for multitudinous medicinal purposes this species is on the verge of extinction and included in Red Data Book. Gloriosa superba L. has been declared endangered in Chhattisgarh state by National Botanical Research Institute, Lucknow (Chhattisgarh State Medicinal Plant Board, India). To preserve this species having multifarious properties, great efforts of botanists, biotechnologists, policy makers and conservationists are required.