A Review of Phytochemicals and Pharmacological Potential of Curry Leaf

Abstract

Murraya koenigii (L.) Spreng., commonly known as curry leaf, is an aromatic shrub native to India and widely distributed throughout tropical and subtropical regions. The plant occupies an important place in traditional medicine systems such as Ayurveda and various folk medicines. The leaves, stem, bark, roots, fruits, and seeds have been traditionally employed to treat ailments such as dysentery, stomach disorders, renal pain, piles, inflammation, microbial infections, and morning sickness. This review synthesizes current knowledge on its pharmacognosy, phytochemistry, and pharmacological potential of curry leaf powder with different solvents and aqueous extract revealed rich profiles of carbazole alkaloids (e.g., koenigin, mahanimbine, murrayastine, and murrayanine), steroids, glycosides, tannins, saponins, phenols, flavonoids, quinones, terpenoids, amino acids, and proteins; alongside phenylpropanoids, alkanes, and sesquiterpenes contribute biochemical complexity. These compounds underpin a vast assortment of bioactivities such as antifungal, antidiabetic, antimicrobial, antioxidant, anticancer, anthelmintic, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiulcer, hepatoprotective, wound healing, and neuroprotective effects; thereby M. koenigii (curry leaf) underscoring its potential as a promising source of functional and therapeutic agents; although several studies have reported the phytochemical composition and pharmacological properties of M. koenigii, these findings are often presented independently. This review aims to consolidate recent studies and integrate the relationship between major phytochemical classes and their corresponding pharmacological activities.