Ethnopharmacological and Phytochemical Studies of Tridax Procumbens Linn: A Popular Herb in Ayurveda Medicine

Abstract

Tridax procumbens (T. procumbens) Linn. is a medicinal plant found in tropical, subtropical and mild temperate regions around the world being used in Ayurveda treatment for liver disorders, boils, blisters, cuts, wound healing and as an anticoagulant, antifungal, and insect repellent. The plant is known to contain flavonoids, alkaloids, carotenoids, hydroxycinnamates, lignans, benzoic acid derivatives, phytosterols and tannins. The plant is also associated with endophytes to produce secondary metabolies by endophytes possessing antibacterial and antifungal activities. Different parts of this plant and essential oil are associated with ethnopharmacological properties like wound healing, antibacterial, immunomodulation, antiinflammatory, antidiabetic, vasorelaxant, antihyperlipidemic, anticancer, antiplasmodial, anticoagulation and antihepatic. Most of these studies validate the concept of earlier claims that T. procumbens's potential as a medicinal plant. Further studies are required to unravel other pharmacological activities as well as the target-based mechanism of actions. The review also highlights the need for exploring lead molecules from these myriad of compounds that are of vital importance in drug discovery strategies.