ETHNOMEDICINAL, PHYTOCHEMICAL, AND PHARMACOLOGICAL INSIGHTS INTO TEPHROSIA PURPUREA (FABACEAE): A COMPREHENSIVE UPDATE

Tephrosia purpurea (Fabaceae) is a widely used medicinal plant in traditional systems of medicine, known for its diverse therapeutic applications. This review comprehensively summarizes the pharmacological activities of T. purpurea, highlighting its hepatoprotective, anti-diabetic, anti-cancer, anti-ulcer, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anthelmintic, antioxidant, and wound-healing properties. The broad spectrum of biological effects is primarily attributed to its rich phytochemical composition, including flavonoids, phenolic, rotenoids, alkaloids, and glycosides, which act synergistically to modulate multiple biochemical pathways. Preclinical studies further demonstrate its potential in cardiovascular protection, cataract prevention, and lipid regulation. The evidence supports T. purpurea as a promising source of bioactive compounds for the development of novel, safe, and cost-effective therapeutic agents. However, further pharmacokinetic, toxicological, and clinical studies are needed to standardize active constituents, elucidate mechanisms of action, and confirm safety and efficacy for therapeutic use. The bioactive constituents of T. purpurea, particularly karanjin and deguelin, show significant potential for the development of multitarget therapies, especially for metabolic and inflammatory disorders. Further research is needed to fully explore their pharmacological efficacy and therapeutic applications.