A Review on Phytochemistry and Pharmacology of Holigarna Arnottiana

Holigarna arnottiana Hook. F., a medicinal tree belonging to the family Anacardiaceae and endemic to the Western Ghats of India, has attracted scientific interest due to its rich phytochemical composition and pharmacological relevance. Traditionally, the plant has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for the treatment of inflammation, skin ailments, arthritis, and infectious diseases. Photochemical investigations have revealed the presence of diverse secondary metabolites, including flavonoids, phenolic compounds, terpenoids, diarylheptanoids, triterpenes, and glycosides. Advanced analytical techniques such as GC-MS and LC-MS have further enabled the identification of bioactive constituents responsible for its therapeutic potential. Pharmacological studies demonstrate that various extracts of H. Arnottiana exhibit significant antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, cytotoxic, and anticancer activities. Recent research also highlights its role in green synthesis of metal nanoparticles with enhanced biological efficacy. Despite promising experimental evidence, systematic studies on photochemistry-pharmacology correlations and clinical validation remain limited. This review compiles and critically evaluates existing literature on the photochemistry and pharmacological properties of H. Arnottiana, aiming to identify research gaps and future prospects for drug discovery and therapeutic development.