A Comprehensive Review on Allamanda Genus: An Insight into the Traditional Uses, Phytochemistry, and Pharmacological Activities

INTRODUCTION: The genus Allamanda (Apocynaceae), comprising approximately 16 species distributed in tropical and subtropical regions, is widely used in Southeast Asian and South American traditional medicine. Rich in terpenoids, flavonoids, and phenolics, it exhibits broad pharmacological potential. This review provides a comprehensive summary of the ethnobotany, phytochemistry, and therapeutic relevance of Allamanda to guide future research and drug development. METHODS: An extensive literature survey was conducted up to May 2025 using databases including SciFinder, PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar by using keywords such as Allamanda, Phytochemistry, Pharmacological activity, and Ethnobotany. RESULTS: Across the genus, a total of 209 compounds have been reported, predominantly terpenoids, followed by phenolics and volatiles. Preclinical studies have highlighted the antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antifertility, wound-healing, and cytotoxic activities of Allamanda, supporting it as a promising source of new therapeutics. DISCUSSION: The rich phytochemical profile and broad pharmacology position Allamanda as a valuable ethnomedicinal resource with potential for modern drug discovery. However, the majority of studies are limited to preclinical studies, with minimal clinical validation and restricted species diversity. Future research should focus on chemical profiling, clinical trials, and safety assessment. CONCLUSION: Allamanda offers a diverse array of bioactive compounds with significant pharmacological relevance. By integrating traditional uses with scientific evidence, this review highlights the potential of ethnomedicine in bridging the gap between traditional and modern pharmacology, while underscoring the need for future research on unexplored species.