Cleome viscosa Linn (Capparaceae): A review

Abstract

Cleome viscosa Linn. (Capparaceae) called as "Hurhur" is an annual, sticky herb found in plains of India, Africa, and Pakistan etc as a common weed. Plant and its parts (leaves, seeds, roots etc.) are used traditionally to cure variety of diseases. Traditionally the plant possess anthelmintic, carminative, anticonvulsant, antidiarhhoeal, antimicrobial, wound healing properties. The review shows that various phytochemical compound were isolated from whole plant and its parts (seeds, leaves, roots etc.). The review reveals the collection of important pharmacological activites like antimicrobial, analgesic, antiemetic, antidiarrhoeal, hepatoprotective, antifibrotic, antitumor, anticonvulsant and psychopharmacological. It also made emphasis on its application in biodiesel formation. The review draws attention towards the traditional, phytochemical and pharmacological knowledge accessible on Cleome viscosa Linn. which would be beneficial for researchers to discover novel chemical entities.