The “Wonder Plant” Kalanchoe pinnata (Linn.) Pers.: A Review

Kalanchoe pinnata (Linn.) Pers. is a plant found mostly in the temperate and tropical regions of the world. It is traditionally known to exhibit a wide range of pharmacological activities that involves treatment for the most serious disorders related to mankind. In this review, the therapeutic and medicinal values of the plant which includes its wound-healing, antioxidant, anticancerous, antiproliferative, antimicrobial, antiviral, antiprotozoal, antileishmanial, anthelmentic, insecticidal, anti-allergic, analgesic, antinociceptive, anti-oedematogenic, anti-inflammatory, muscle-relaxant, antipyretic, anticonvulsant, antidepressant, sedative, antilithiatic, hepatoprotective, gastroprotective, antidiabetic, nephroprotective, haemoprotective, antihistamine, antihypertensive and immunosuppressant activities have been comprehensively discussed. In ethnomedicine, it is known for its anthroposophical and tocolytic effects in pregnant women. Also, it is used to facilitate dropping of placenta during child birth. Scientists have explored the different parts of the plant and have established the clinical potentials of the plant as a whole and its parts successfully. Few scientific validations have even lead to the isolation and determination of the applications of the bioactive compounds from various solvent extracts of the plant. Further research and clinical trials have to be carried out in order to commercialize the potential pharmaceutical uses of the plant for which one should thoroughly know about the pharmacognostic properties of the plant.