Biological Activities, Therapeutic Potential and Phytochemical Screening of Atalantia ceylanica: A Mini Review

Abstract

Atalantia ceylanica, a herbaceous shrub, belonging to the Rutaceae family, is native to Sri Lanka, India, and Vietnam, thriving in seasonally dry tropical regions. Various parts of the plant, including leaves, bark, seeds, and roots, are rich in bioactive phytochemicals such as polyphenols, tannins, flavonoids, alkaloids, oximes, and coumarins. These bioactive compounds are believed to be contribute to its diverse medicinal properties, including antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal, and hepatoprotective activities. Traditionally used in Ayurveda and folk medicine, A. ceylanica has been employed to treat a range of conditions, such as asthma, flu, liver diseases, and skin disorders. This mini review assesses the biological activities and phytochemical composition of A. ceylanica, with emphasis on its significant antibacterial and antifungal effects, distinctly against Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The hepatoprotective activity has been demonstrated through the mitigation of ethanol-induced liver toxicity, while the antioxidant capacity of A. ceylanica evaluates its role as a potent free radical through various assays. By consolidating the traditional knowledge and scientific evidences, this mini review highlights the therapeutic values of A. ceylanica and identifies avenues for further pharmacological and clinical research in future.