REDISCOVERING THE FLORAL PROPERTIES OF ABUTILON INDICUM (L.) SWEET: A PHARMACOLOGICAL EXPLORATION OF ITS THERAPEUTIC CAPABILITIES

Abutilon indicum (L.) Sweet, commonly referred to as Thuthi or Country Mallow, is a perennial plant celebrated for its medicinal benefits, especially its flowers, which have been extensively utilized in traditional healing systems such as Ayurveda, Unani, and Siddha. The flowers are rich in bioactive compounds, including flavonoids, alkaloids, glycosides, and saponins, which contribute to a variety of therapeutic properties. These include anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antimicrobial, and antioxidant effects, making them an important natural resource for addressing numerous health concerns. In traditional medicine, Thuthi flowers are valued for their demulcent properties, which help to soothe and heal irritated tissues. They are also used to promote digestive health, acting as a mild laxative and diuretic. Additionally, Thuthi flowers are applied in the treatment of respiratory ailments, including coughs, bronchitis, and asthma, due to their bronchodilatory and expectorant effects. The plant’s detoxifying properties and its ability to support overall vitality further enhance its therapeutic profile. Contemporary scientific studies have started to validate these traditional uses, confirming the flowers’ antioxidant activity, which may help mitigate oxidative stress a major contributor to chronic diseases such as cancer and diabetes. Moreover, the flowers’ antimicrobial properties have shown promise in combating infections. However, further investigation is required to isolate and characterize the specific bioactive compounds responsible for these therapeutic effects. This review highlights the pharmacological properties of Thuthi flowers and explores their potential applications in modern healthcare, while underscoring the need for sustainable harvesting practices to ensure the continued availability of this valuable medicinal plant.