TRADITIONAL USES, PHYTOCHEMISTRY AND PHARMACOLOGICAL ACTIVITIES OF Betula utilis

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  Santosh, Yogesh Kumar Sharma, Abhishek Godara

• Santosh, Yogesh Kumar Sharma, Abhishek Godara
• TRADITIONAL USES, PHYTOCHEMISTRY AND PHARMACOLOGICAL ACTIVITIES OF Betula utilis

Abstract

Plants offer a vast array of secondary metabolites with applications in preventing and treating diseases. This review explores the potential therapeutic benefits of Betula utilis, a medicinal plant native to the Himalayas. With over 250,000 plant species, more than a thousand have shown significant pharmacological properties. Betula utilis, known as Himalayan birch or bhojpatra, exhibits antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antioxidant, and anti-HIV properties attributed to pentacyclic triterpenoids in its bark, including betulin and betulinic acid. These compounds play a crucial role in reducing triglyceride formation and inhibiting key enzymes like diacylglycerol acetyltransferase (DGAT) involved in obesity-related processes. Betulinic acid demonstrates pancreatic lipase inhibitory effects, decreasing fat absorption and contributing to weight loss. The plant's extracts exhibit antifungal, antibacterial, and anticancer activities, making them potential candidates for various therapeutic applications. The botanical description highlights Betula utilis' robust nature, thriving in challenging Himalayan environments. Traditional uses, such as crafting paper and treating urinary infections, emphasize its cultural significance. Chemical constituents like betulinic acid showcase a rich pharmacological profile, including anti-HIV effects. The bark's antioxidant properties, along with free radical scavenging and reducing activities, further contribute to its medicinal potential. This comprehensive exploration positions Betula utilis as a promising candidate for diverse medical applications, particularly in the context of anti-obesity interventions.