Hymenocallis littoralis(Jacq) Salisb, commonly known as Spider Lily, is an important medicinal and ornamental plant belonging to the family Amaryllidaceae. Native to tropical and subtropical regions, it is widely cultivated for its attractive flowers and various therapeutic applications. Traditionally, different parts of the plant, including bulbs, leaves, flowers, and roots, have been utilized in folk medicine for their emetic, anti-inflammatory, wound healing, and antimicrobial properties. The bulbs are known for their astringent and expectorant effects, while leaf extracts have shown anti-bacterial and hair growth-stimulating properties. The plant is commercially significant in India, particularly in Gujarat and Maharashtra, where it holds a premium place in the floriculture market due to its year-round flowering and aesthetic appeal.Phytochemical studies on Hymenocallis littoralis have revealed the presence of several bioactive compounds, predominantly alkaloids such as lycorine, pancratistatin, haemanthamine and hippeastrine. These compounds exhibit a wide range of pharmacological activities including anticancer, antiviral, antioxidant and cytotoxic effects. Ethno-pharmacological investigations have also highlighted its potential in treating conditions like arthritis, fungal infections, and biofilm-associated infections. In addition to its medicinal significance, the plant’s propagation through bulbs and tissue culture, along with its adaptability to different soils and climates, makes it an economically viable crop. This review aims to consolidate the current knowledge on the botanical characteristics, traditional uses, cultivation practices, phytochemistry and pharmacological potential of Hymenocallis littoralis, emphasizing its role as a promising candidate for the development of novel therapeutic agents.
Hemant P. Suryawanshi*, Sami M. Khan, Bhavana V. Sonar, Vaishnavi K. Mali, Himanshu B. Malve, R. A. Ahirrao.