Streblus asper Lour.: Nature’s Remedy for Modern Ailments

Streblus asper Lour., commonly known as the Sahada or brush or toothbrush tree, is a traditional medicinal plant widely used in Southeast Asian and Indian folk medicine. This review highlights its broad spectrum of therapeutic properties, supported by both ethnobotanical knowledge and modern pharmacological research. Rich in flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins, and saponins, S. asper exhibits a wide range of biological activities, including antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antidiabetic, neuroprotective, and anticancer effects. Traditionally used for oral hygiene, skin diseases, and gastrointestinal disorders, recent studies have validated many of these uses, showing potential in the treatment of infections, oxidative stress-related diseases, and chronic inflammatory conditions. This review aims to consolidate current scientific findings on S. asper, bridging traditional wisdom with contemporary health science and advocating its role as a promising natural remedy in modern therapeutic strategies.