Taxonomical Classification Kingdom : Plantae Order : Sapindales Family : Sapindaceae Subfamily : Sapindaceae Genus : Litchi Species : Chinensis Morphological Description

Litchi chinensis is an evergreen plant member of Sapindaceae family is famous fruit in south east asia. The tree is semitropical, harvest in Southeast Asia, especially in China. Litchi belongs to Soapberry genuses which incorporate 150 subfamily and 2000 species. The flower, fruits and leaves is being used in unani and Ayurvedic medicines. Litchi is one of the principal major fruit possessing various pharmaceutical or pharmacological activities. Various activities has been reported on Litchi chinensis – Analgesic, Antioxidant and effective against inflammation, diabetes, cancer ,microbial infection, platelet, Hepatoprotective, chest irritability, flatulence, epigastric pain, cardiovascular activity, neurological pain, testicular swelling, cough etc. Seeds, flowers, leaves, pericarp, pulp and fruits are a source of bioactived components. The present review is an effort to consolidate information available on Litchi chinensis in the last one decade.

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