AN UPDATED REVIEW ON THE THERAPEUTIC POTENTIAL OF PRUNUS ARMENIACA

Excessive  drug  therapy,  environmental  pollutants,  hepatic  cancer  and  alcoholic  intoxicants  are  the  main  causes  of  liver  disorders. The hepatic disorders/toxicity can occur by several mechanisms like cytochrome P450 activation, lipid peroxidation, induction of nitric acid synthase, mitochondrial dysfunction, activation of pro-inflammatory mediators and bile acid-induced liver cell death. In spite of consistent human effort and drug discovery, the modern drug has very little to offer. (Prunus armeniaca) is commonly known as Khubani or moon of the faithful or Egg of the sun, which is used as folk medicine in traditional Indian medicinal system as well as worldwide medicinal system, belongs to the family Rosaceae. Prunus armeniaca fruit is the rich source of vitamin, carbohydrate, thiamine, niacin, iron, organic acids, phenols and volatile compounds viz. benzaldehyde, esters, norisoprenoids, terpenoids and minerals. The seed of Prunus armeniaca contain very small amount toxic hydrogen cyanide amygdalin, present in bitter prunus armeniaca kernels which are prescribed as anticancer drug, in asthma, cough and constipation. Prunus armeniaca is having some reported activities like anticancer, anti-inflammatory, anti-tubercular properties and antimicrobial properties. Children consume Prunus armeniaca in form of candy and sauces. This review is an attempt to summarize the phytoconstituents, pharmacological action, drug interactions encountered and safety profile with use of Prunus armeniaca as a preventive and therapeutic aid to various ailments including hepatic and dental disorders.