Ximenia americana is a plant which grows widely in the tropical and temperate regions of the world. It is extensively used as herbal remedies in treating malaria, leproutic ulcers and skin infections. The active principles for many drugs found in plants are secondary metabolites. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of alkaloids, saponins, flavonoids, cardiac glycosides, terpenoids and tannins. The major constituents of the volatile oil of the leaves of X. americana were benzaldehyde, hydroxyl benzyl cyanide and isophorone. The constituents of X. americana have shown several biological activities such as antimicrobial, antifungal, anticancer, antineoplastic, antitripanosomal, antirheumatic, antioxidant, analgesic, moluscicide, pesticidal, also having hepatic and heamatological effect of the constituents of X. Americana. The genus Ximenia belongs to the Olacaceae and comprises about 8 species: Ximenia roiigi, Ximenia aegyptiaca, Ximenia parviflora, Ximenia coriaceae, Ximenia aculeata, Ximenia caffra, Ximenia Americana and Ximenia aegyptica. X. caffra stands out for being used in Tanzania for the treatment of irregular menstruation, rheumatism and cancer. The plant is potentially rich in fatty acids and glycerides and the seeds contain derivatives cyanide. This review covers the study of Pharmacognosy, pharmachemistry, pharmacology and pharmaceutical aspects of this herb. Moreover, its valuable medicinal effects along with its economical value are being discussed.
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