Frerea indica, belonging to the monotypic genus Frerea (Apocynaceae), is an attractive succulent herb with star-shaped flowers. This critically endangered plant is found on rocky cliffs and slopes at high altitudes, primarily in the northwestern region of the Western Ghats in Maharashtra, India. It is sporadically distributed across locations like Randha Falls in Ahmednagar, Shivneri Fort and Purandhar in Pune, Anjaneri Hills in Nasik, Shivthar Ghat in Raigad, and Kate’s Point in Mahabaleshwar, Satara. Locally known as Shindal-Makadi, Shiv Suman, or Makad Meva, it is considered a ‘living ancestor’ of the stapeliads and shares morphological traits with genera such as Caralluma, Boucerosia, and Ceropegia.^[1,2]

Frerea indica is closely related to the Indian Boucerosia group, which includes species like Caralluma diffusa, C. umbellata, and C. procumbens. These species are known for their various applications in food, cosmetics, and traditional medicine. Extracts from related Caralluma species have demonstrated diverse pharmacological properties, including cytotoxic, anti-inflammatory, hypoglycemic, antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anticancer activities. They are also used for their nephroprotective, insect-repellent, and anti-arthritic properties, among others.^[2,3]

The whole plant of Caralluma truncato-coronata is recognized for its antioxidant and anti-angiogenic properties, while Caralluma indica exhibits strong antimicrobial activity. Similarly, Caralluma pauciflora has been found to possess cytotoxic, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties. Indigenous communities consume the succulent stems and leaves of Frerea indica as vegetables, and its leaf paste is traditionally used to promote hair growth in certain tribal regions of Maharashtra, India.^[4,5]

Frerea indica Dalz. (Apocynaceae) is a critically endangered, monotypic, and endemic genus of the Western Ghats of Maharashtra, India. Fleshy glabrous herb. Leaves 3-6 cm long. Flowers brick red, solitary or in pairs, pedicles arising from between the petioles. Corolla rotate, about 2.4 cm across, lobes valvate, deltoid, fringed with fine purple hairs, designed with a variety of striation and spots. Corona purple. Anthers red. Pollinia one in each cell. Style-apex pearly white.[6,7] Many herbal plants have been described for the use of diabetes mellitus in ancient literature; herbal plant extracts, preparations alone or in combination with oral hypoglycemic agent sometimes produce a good therapeutic response in some resistant cases where in the allopathic drug alone has failed to produce the satisfactory results.[8,9] Figure: Frerea Indica TAXONOMICAL NOMENCLATURE • Kingdom: Plantae • Subkingdom: Tracheobionta • Division: Magnoliophyta • Class: Magnoliopsida • Order: Gentianales • Family: Apocynaceae • Subfamily: Asclepiadoideae • Genus: Frerea • Species: Frerea indica VERNACULAR NAMES Marathi: Shindal Makudi English: Indian Succulent or Frerea Kannada: Tendlya-gida Though the leaves powder of Frerea Indica may possess antidiabetic activity, their systematic investigation have not been carried out so far. Hence it was thought worthwhile to investigate the antidiabetic activity of leaves powder.[10,11] Figure 2 Chemical Structure of Frerea Indica Proximate Components (%) Root Stem Leaves Moisture 69.42 ± 0.81c 78.83 ± 1.06b 8 7.45 ± 1.38a Ash 23.8 ± 1.31b 26.8 ± 1.22a 20.9 ± 0.99c Total Carbohydrates 11.46 ± 0.13b 13.2 ± 0.81a 6.53 ± 0.47c Crude Proteins 1.43 ± 0.83a 1.75 ± 1.01a 1.54 ± 0.88a Crude Fat 0.28 ± 0.02c 0.97 ± 0.01a 0.53 ± 0.02b Table 1 Proximate composition content in various plant parts of Frerea indica. CHEMICAL CONSTITUENTS The plant contains carbohydrates like starch and reducing sugars in its tuberous roots, proteins in its leaves and stems, and essential fatty acids in its cuticle, which contribute to water retention. Among secondary metabolites, phenolic compounds and flavonoids, such as quercetin, kaempferol, and apigenin, stand out for their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. Additionally, tannins, both condensed and hydrolyzable, are present in the stems and roots, enhancing the plant's astringent and antimicrobial capabilities. Phytosterols like β-sitosterol and a variety of terpenoids, including monoterpenes, diterpenes, and triterpenes, have been identified, offering anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial benefits. The presence of cardiac glycosides in Frerea indica suggests potential applications in treating heart conditions, while saponins and essential oils extracted from the leaves and flowers contribute to its therapeutic and aromatic qualities. The rich biochemical composition of Frerea indica supports its traditional uses, including wound healing and antimicrobial treatments. However, as the plant is critically endangered, further research and conservation efforts are essential to fully explore and utilize its medicinal potential while ensuring its survival in the wild.[12,13] PHYTOCHEMICAL CONSTITUENTS Phytochemical Constituents of Ferrea indica Phytochemical Group Examples/Properties Potential Benefits Flavonoids Antioxidants, anti-inflammatory agents Protect against oxidative stress, reduce inflammation Alkaloids Bioactive compounds with pharmacological effects Pain relief, antimicrobial activity Tannins Polyphenolic compounds Astringent properties, antimicrobial effects Phenols Antioxidant compounds Neutralize free radicals, protect tissues Saponins Natural surfactants Enhance immunity, reduce cholesterol levels Glycosides Bioactive sugar-linked compounds Cardiotonic effects, detoxification Terpenoids Aromatic compounds Anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial properties Sterols Structural components in cell membranes Support hormone production, cholesterol regulation Ferrea indica, commonly known as the Indian fig or wild fig, is a plant rich in diverse phytochemical constituents that contribute to its medicinal properties. It contains bioactive compounds such as flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins, phenols, saponins, and glycosides. These phytochemicals exhibit antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties, making the plant valuable in traditional medicine. The presence of compounds like terpenoids and sterols further enhances its therapeutic potential, supporting its use in treating various ailments, including skin disorders, digestive issues, and infections[15,16,17] PLANT DETAILS The corolla is rotate, approximately 2.2 cm wide, 5-lobed, and fringed with fine deep purple hairs along the edges, exhibiting a purple colour with pale yellow spots. The outer corona is bowl-shaped, 1-2 mm long, and 5-lobed, while the inner corona is 1.5 mm long and also 5-lobed. The staminal column is short, with red anthers and one pollinium per cell. The style apex is flat and pearl white. Fruits are follicles, either paired or single, 6.3-8.2 cm long, terete, smooth, and curved at the apex. Seeds are numerous, approximately 8 mm by 3.5 mm, with silky white comas about 1.3 mm in length.[18,19,20] It grows between 750-1350m above sea level on rock crevices and exposed hill slopes facing either south-east or northwest directions, forming large patches.[21] Climate change poses a significant threat to the survival of Frerea indica, both directly and indirectly, by contributing to habitat loss, destruction, and shrinkage. Key factors include fire, grazing, and landslides, which have critically impacted this palaeoendemic genus. The plant suffers from poor flowering, limited seed production, and a lack of specific pollinators. Additionally, insect infestations by caterpillars and aphids, as well as local consumption of its succulent stems and leaves as vegetables, further contribute to its decline.[22] Traditional use of the plant's leaf paste by tribal communities to promote hair growth also impacts its availability. Activities such as hiking and trekking in the Sahyadri ranges disrupt wildlife habitats and biodiversity. Unregulated tourism and anthropogenic activities in biodiversity hotspots like the Western Ghats exacerbate the issue. Moreover, the plant’s striking star-shaped flowers make it susceptible to human interference, posing an additional threat to its conservation. Sustainable strategies and responsible ecotourism are crucial to minimize these impacts and protect this critically endangered species.[23].