Taro (Colocasia esculenta L): Review on Its botany, morphology, ethno medical uses, Phytochemistry and pharmacological activities

Natural products are the best sources of drugs and drug leads this remains true today although fact that many pharmaceutical companies have focused on natural research for two decades. Colocasia esculenta (L) Schott (C. esculenta, Family Araceae) is an annual herbaceous plant with a long history usage in traditional medicine several countries across world grown its edible corm as staple foods throughout tropical subtropical regions. In India it known Aravi, Alukam, Kesavedantu, Chamadumpa. Corm leaves widely used vegetables Indian food system. It was vegetable crop nutritional medicinal purposes. Nutritionally, C. Esculenta contains more than twice carbohydrate content potatoes yield 135 kcals per 100 gm. about 11% protein dry weight basis. This yam, cassava or sweet potato. 85-87% starch matter basis small granules size 3-18μm other nutrients such minerals, vitamin C, thiamin, riboflavin, oxalic acid niacin better cereals. leaves, like higher plants, rich protein. Phytochemical analysis showed major constituents flavonoids, β-sitosterol, steroids, tarin, polysaccharides (TPS1 TPS2), alkaloids, polyphenols, saponins ect., The also has property to reduce fever pain. pharmacological studies revealed exerted activities, including central nervous effects, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, anti-lipid peroxidative activity, antidiabetic, anti-carcinogenic, hepatoprotective, immunoprotective antimicrobial effects. There requiring isolating active constituents, their biological test, molecular mechanisms, experimental defense legalization therapeutic uses esculenta. Various claims still remain be validated scientifically. Future should focus properties, phytochemistry, clinical trials pharmacokinetics which will enhance potential species. Clinical reported preclinical performed urgently further validate humans.