Oroxylum indicum (L.) kurz as a promising Anticancer resource: bridging ethnopharmacology, biotechnology, and conservation perspectives

Oroxylum indicum (L.) Kurz, the Indian trumpet tree, is an endangered medicinal species of the Bignoniaceae family with deep roots in Ayurveda and Southeast Asian traditional medicine. A key component of Dashamoola and formulations like Chyawanprash, it contains flavonoids such as baicalein, baicalin, chrysin, and oroxylin A, which act as pharmacological effectors and chemotaxonomic markers. Modern techniques (HSCCC, UPLC-MS, NMR) support rapid profiling and quality control. Preclinical studies confirm antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, hepatoprotective, neuroprotective, and anticancer activities via NF-κB inhibition, ROS-mediated apoptosis, and glucose uptake modulation. Toxicological studies show a wide safety margin, while clinical trials with Sabroxy® highlight cognitive benefits. Beyond therapeutics, O. indicum offers agro-ecological uses in crop protection, nematode control, and integrated pest management. Advances in genomics, endophyte studies, and in vitro propagation enhance conservation strategies. Integrating ethnomedicine with modern pharmacology and biotechnology positions O. indicum as a multipurpose species requiring sustainable utilisation.