A Narrative Review on Telosma Pallida (Roxb.) Craib - An Extra-Pharmacopeial Drug From Ethnomedicine to Evidence-Based Therapeutics

Telosma pallida (Roxb.) Craib is an extensive, twining under shrub or climber, slender growing up to 3m in height, available in India, Myanmar, Nepal, Thailand etc. places. It has a long history of traditional uses in medicine, primarily known for its nutritive value as a vegetable, and as a therapeutic in whooping cough, cold and asthma. Mainly the leaves, roots and flowers are employed in folklore practice. This plant exhibits significant therapeutic potential addressing hepatic and metabolic disorders while also demonstrating antimicrobial, anti-cholinesterase, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The plant has also shown significant tumour inhibitory activity. The plant’s pharmacological activities are attributed to its diverse phytochemical profile, featuring the phenanthroindolizidine alkaloids named tylophorine, tylophorinidine, pergularinine, desoxypergularinine and flavonoid quercetin and the phenolic compounds. The present literature review provides an in-depth examination of historical context, ethnomedical application, pharmacognosy, phytoconstituents, pharmacological action and biological activity of Telosma pallida.