PRISMA Based Systematic Review: Pharmacognostic Study of Zanthoxylum armatum DC.

Introduction: Herb, Zanthoxylum armatum DC., commonly called Indian prickly ash, and Nepal pepper (family Rutaceae), is widely utilized in the traditional medicinal system. Objective: The current review provides requisite data for collecting descriptive information on the organoleptic, microscopical, ethnobotanical use, and phytochemicals and pharmacological properties of Z. armatum; therefore, it may help in forming a bridge between research gaps and the upcoming future findings for most of the researches. Materials and Methods: The systematic literature survey was conducted using the PRISMA methodology. The collective information was gathered from books, renowned journals, and electronic databases including Science Direct, Web of Science, Scopus and PubMed from 1966 to 2020. Results: Most of the bioactive metabolites are isolated and characterized till date, such as monoterpenes in essential oil and lignan components are reported to be present in the herbs. Several in vitro and in vivo pharmacological bioassays revealed the potential of Z. armatum having as possessing antimicrobial, antifungal, antibacterial, and hepatoprotective effects and so on. Conclusion: Therefore, the current review summarizes the organoleptic, microscopy, phytochemistry and biological activities of Z. armatum, providing more emphasis on in vitro as well as in-vivo studies along with clinical research, helpful in exploring the potential efficacy of the plant.