Bryophyllum pinnatum leaf: A potent herb with numerous health benefits

Abstract

Bryophyllum pinnatum (Lam.) (Crussulaceae) is a succulent glabrous herb that is native to Madagascar and Southern Africa and grows  mainly in the tropics. B. pinnatum leaf is commonly called air plant, life plant, love plant or miracle leaf. The presence of bufadienolides,  flavonoids, alkaloids, saponins, polyphenols, triterpenoids and other chemical constituents in the plant are responsible for its various  therapeutic activities such as antihypertensive, antiinflammatory, antibacterial and antidiabetic effects. There are still no sufficient reports  on some pharmacological and therapeutic potentials of the plants especially the anticancer properties. This review is aimed at  providing information on the pharmacological potentials of B. pinnatum leaf.