Lagerstromia Parviflora: A Brief Review

The medium-sized tree Lagerstroemia parviflora is native to India.  In India, Lagerstroemia parviflora is a common medium-sized deciduous plant that can grow up to 900 meters in length in the Himalayas.  The tree is between 15 and 18 meters tall.  In India, this herb has been used to treat a number of illnesses.  The leaves of the plant are used by the Santals of Chotanagpur in India to treat chronic wounds and infections.  It is commonly believed that the entire plant can be utilized to treat illnesses of the reproductive and gastrointestinal systems.  Additionally, this herb effectively treats bronchitis, asthma, fevers, and coughs ^[1,2]. Phytochemical components including carbohydrates, saponin, terpenoids, steroids, phytosterols, flavonoids, proteins were detected in the leaf extract of Lagerstroemia parviflora.  Geographical differences may exist in the phytochemical and nutritional makeup of the plant and its therapeutic potential.  Crape myrtle or crepe myrtle are popular names for Lagerstroemia Parviflora.  The Antheraea paphia moth feeds on the leaves of Lagerstroemia parviflora to create tassar silk also known as tussah a type of wild silk that is valuable for trade in India.^[1]

5. Phytochemical classification of Lagerstroemia Parviflora:

• Botanical Name: Lagerstroemia parviflora Roxb.
• Synonyms (s):  Fatioa nupaulensis DC.
• Biological Source: small flowerd crape Myrtle.
• Geographical source: Tropical Himalaya , India, Bruma.
• Family: Lythraceae.
• Chemical Constituents: amyl alcohol, betasitosterol, Lageracetal, tannins, 3-O-methyllagic acid and 3, 3, 4- tri-O-methylellagic acid.

5. Taxonomical classification of Lagerstroemia Parviflora : ^[1,2]

• Kingdom : Plantae
• Phylum : Tracheophyta
• Genus: Lagerstroemia
• Species: Lagerstroemia parviflora Roxb
• Subkingdom : Tracheobionta
• Division: Magnoliophyta
• Class: Magnoliopsida
• Order: Myrtales

5. Local Names of Lagerstromia Parviflora:

• English : Small flower crape myrtle
• Hindi : Lendia, Bakli, Sidi, Seina
• Marathi- Lendya
• Telugu- Chinangi, Chennangi, Gullakaraka, Chinnagi
• Sanskrit- Siddeshwara
• Odiya : Chhena, Salora, Sidha
• Bengali : Sidha, Sida
• Kannada- Chennangi mara ^[6]

5. Description of Plant:

“Fig. 1”: Lagerstroemia Parviflora

1)Plant:

It is called as Tree or sometimes large shrub. Lagerstroemia parviflora is a tree that has many uses including for timber, fuel, and medicine. A tasty gum that can be consumed is produced by the tree.  Older trees have smooth, grey or reddish bark that peels off in long, thin flakes. ^[3]

 2)Leaves:

    “Fig.2”: Leaves of Lagerstroemia Parviflora

Leaf characteristics: ^[3]

Dimensions: 4-8 cm in length and 1-4 cm in width 

Base: round

Apex: Obtuse-acute,

Margin: Complete, glabrous, or just beginning to pubescent below.

Veins: Five to nine pairs of lateral nerves that are pinnate, thin and noticeable.

The leaves are narrowly elliptic, oblong or ovate-lanceolate, glabrous above, grey, and somewhat pubescent, particularly along the nerves below.

3) Flowers:

“Fig.3”: Flowers of Lagerstroemia Parviflora

White flowers with terminal downy panicles of 3 to 6 flowering cymes measure 8 to 14 mm across.  Six triangular or lanceolate, sharp capsule lobes are embraced by a cupular, smooth, woody calyx tube.  There are six ovate-oblong petals with an undulating border.  Clusters of three to seven tiny white blooms are produced at the ends of branches and in the leaf axils.  The petals are flat and have short claws.  The plant flowers from April to May ^[3].

4)Fruits:

“Fig.4’’: Fruits of Lagerstroemia Parviflora

An elongated, leathery capsule is the fruit of Lagerstroemia parviflora, commonly referred to as the little flowered crape myrtle.  It contains winged seeds and is dark brown in colour. It is 2-4  cm in length and 1-3 cm in width.  The seeds are released when the fruit breaks along four or six lines.  The fruits ripen to a dry state after initially being green and delicious.  Fruiting occurs from October through December.  ^[3]

5. Chemical Constituents present in Lagerstroemia parviflora.^[7]

1. Herbal tea produced from dried fruits has long been used to treat renal diseases, diabetes, and high blood pressure.
2. The Antheraea paphia moth, which creates tassar silk, feeds on the leaves of L. parviflora.
3. A significant tree species for its timber is Lagerstroemia parviflora.
4. The wood is incredibly durable and strong.  Common uses include agricultural equipment, doors, window frames, rafters, beams, pillars, and carts.
5.  Elephants consume this species bark.
6. Black dye is made from the tannins in the bark.  The tree yields edible gum with a sweet flavour.
7. Because it produces high-quality charcoal, it is also a great fuel tree.

5. Pharmacological Activities:^[7]

Numerous pharmacological actions, including as antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, pain-relieving, and anti-diarrheal properties, make Lagerstroemia parviflora a promising candidate for a number of medical uses. Additionally, studies indicate that its leaves may have antitussive properties.

Antioxidant potential:

Studies have shown significant antioxidant activity from extracts of Lagerstroemia parviflora which could help combat oxidative stress in the body.

Antimicrobial activity:

Research indicates potential antibacterial activity against certain bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus.

Anti-inflammatory effects:

Extracts from the plant are believed to have anti-inflammatory properties which could be beneficial for conditions related to inflammation.

Pain relief potential:

Some studies suggest L. Parviflora has good effect on relive various pains.

Anti-diarrhoeal activity:

Preliminary research indicates potential to help manage diarrhea.

Therapeutic Effects of Plant Lagerstroemia parviflora:^[7]