Bioactive Compounds and Therapeutic Applications of Murraya Koenigii

Murraya koenigii, commonly known as the curry leaf plant, is a rich reservoir of bioactive phytochemicals that have attracted considerable attention for their diverse therapeutic potentials. The leaves, bark and roots of this Rutaceae species yield a broad spectrum of secondary metabolites including carbazole alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenoids and essential oils. Carbazole alkaloids such as mahanine, mahanimbine and girinimbine constitute a major class, exhibiting pronounced cytotoxic, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial actions. Flavonoids and phenolic acids contribute robust antioxidant capacity, scavenging free radicals and enhancing cellular defence against oxidative stress. Terpenoids and volatile organic compounds impart antibacterial and antifungal properties, while also modulating lipid metabolism. Preclinical investigations have demonstrated anticancer activity across multiple cell lines, including breast, liver and lung models, mediated through induction of apoptosis, cell cycle arrest and proteasome inhibition. Neuroprotective effects are emerging through mitigation of protein aggregation and mitochondrial dysfunction. In addition, antidiabetic, hepatoprotective and immunomodulatory effects have been reported, underscoring the global significance of M. koenigii in addressing non-communicable diseases. The therapeutic applications extend from dietary supplementation to the development of standardised extracts and isolated compounds for pharmaceutical use. The interplay between geographical origin, seasonal variation and phytochemical composition is critical for ensuring reproducible bioactivity. Overall, M. koenigii represents a paradigmatic example of how traditional botanical resources can inform modern drug discovery and nutraceutical innovation.

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Bioactive Compounds and Therapeutic Applications of Murraya Koenigii publication trend

The graph below shows the total number of articles in bioactive compounds and therapeutic applications of murraya koenigii across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).

Technical terms

Carbazole alkaloids: Nitrogen-containing phytochemicals characterised by a tricyclic dibenzopyrrole scaffold, notable for cytotoxic and antimicrobial activities.

Terpenoids: Oxygenated derivatives of terpenes, involved in plant defence and exhibiting diverse bioactivities including antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects.

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs): Low molecular weight, high-vapour-pressure compounds responsible for aroma profiles and biological signalling.

Principal component analysis (PCA): A statistical technique for reducing dimensionality of complex datasets, highlighting patterns and grouping among variables.

References

1. Phytochemistry and Biological Activities of Murraya Species. Molecules (2023).
2. Aromatic profiling of Murraya koenigii leaves by Thermal Desorption Gas chromatography-Mass Spectroscopy (TD-GC-MS). Heliyon (2023).
3. Medicinal Profile, Phytochemistry, and Pharmacological Activities of Murraya koenigii and Its Primary Bioactive Compounds. Antioxidants (2020).
4. The Growth Suppressing Effects of Girinimbine on Hepg2 Involve Induction of Apoptosis and Cell Cycle Arrest. Molecules (2011).
5. Murraya koenigii leaf extract inhibits proteasome activity and induces cell death in breast cancer cells. BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies (2013).
6. Antioxidant Capacity and Antimutagenic Potential of Murraya koenigii. BioMed Research International (2013).
7. Phyto-Carbazole Alkaloids from the Rutaceae Family as Potential Protective Agents against Neurodegenerative Diseases. Antioxidants (2022).
8. Influence of Geographical and Seasonal Variations on Carbazole Alkaloids Distribution in Murraya koenigii: Deciding Factor of Its In Vitro and In Vivo Efficacies against Cancer Cells. BioMed Research International (2020).
9. Apoptosis Effect of Girinimbine Isolated from Murraya koenigii on Lung Cancer Cells In Vitro. Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine (2013).