REVIEW ON MUSSAENDA PHILIPPICA

Velayutham Mani Mala*, P. Esakki Raja, R. K. Arul Kishore, A. Aravindan, M. Mariselvi, M. Ramasamy, Arun Murugesan

Mussaenda philippica known as the "Queen of the Philippines," is an ornamental evergreen shrub or small tree native to the Philippines, cultivated for its showy, petal-like sepals that come in colors like pink, white, and red. It prefers full sun, well-drained, slightly acidic soil, and consistent moisture. The true flowers are small and inconspicuous, while the surrounding enlarged sepals are the plant's main attraction. M. philippica can grow up to 15 feet tall, is propagated from stem cuttings, and requires regular watering and feeding with organic matter, with pruning after flowering to encourage new blooms. The cultivation of medicinal plants is the key to meet the raw material needs of the industry based on the medicinal plant products. Phytochemical investigation shows the presence of alkaloids, protein & amino acids, flavonoids, terpenoids, phenolics, glycosides, carbohydrate, saponins, steroids, tannins and fixed oil. Pharmacological activity leaves of anticonvulsant, antimicrobial, antioxidant and antiulcer properties then stems of hepatoprotective activities.