Ethnomedical uses, Phytochemistry, Pharmacological and therapeutic properties of Desmodium gangeticum (L.) DC.- A scoping review

Abstract

A surge in laboratory research into the pharmacological properties of bioactive compounds, as well as their potential to cure a wide range of ailments, has resulted in an influx of new herbal medications and extracts onto the international market in recent years. Desmodium gangeticum (L.), one of the essential herbs of Indian traditional system of medicines is part of many essential formulations viz. "Dashamoola" and is used to treat various diseases. It is a perennial herb, locally known as "Shalparni" (Hindi) in India and also reported in many other tropical countries. This review presents the traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology, and clinical effectiveness of D. gangeticum. Literature was systematically searched through various databases, journals and gray literature through electronic and manual search. Collected data was further critically reviewed and summarized in this paper. It contains many bio-active phytochemicals viz. gangeticoside, leonuriside A, tortoside A, dehydrosoyasaponin, gangetin, gangetinin, desmocarpin, desmodin etc. among them, some have drug likeliness properties. Critical literature analysis revealed that it possessed many pharmacological activities viz. anti-inflammatory, antinociceptive, anti- oxidant, cardioprotective, antidiabetic and hepatoprotective anti- bacterial, and anti -amnesic activities. Despite a large number of traditional therapeutic uses, D. gangeticum was evaluated for limited therapeutic efficacy through clinical trials and evidence suggested it may have therapeutic benefits on bronchitis, gout, hypertension. The biochemical and physiological mechanisms involved in the different biological effects exhibited by it need to be investigated. The herb should be investigated further, focusing on pharmacodynamic, pharmacokinetic and safety profiles. Well-designed Randomized Controlled trials (RCTs) should be conducted to support its therapeutic use.