Ethnomedicinal Studies of Tridax procumbens L. (Family: Asteraceae)

Abstract

Tridax procumbens L. of Asteraceae family is one of the most common weed found throughout the state of Odisha, India. It is popularly known as coat buttons or Ghamra. This plant has shown an extensive range of traditional ethnomedical uses of plant parts, particularly leaves and aerial portions, in the management of wound, skin disease, bleeding, fever, cough, diarrhea, dysentery, inflammation, liver problems, and hair loss. The plant is known to be used in traditional Ayurvedic system of medicine for management of various diseases as a substitute or complementary to Bhringraj. Phytochemical constituents reported from the plant include flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins, saponins, carotenoids, terpenoids, phytosterols, fatty acids, etc (Gubbiveeranna & Nagaraju, 2016; Ingole et al., 2022). Various pharmacological properties have also been reported from the plant including wound healing, antimicrobial, antioxidant, and antiinflammatory activities among others. Reports by Udupa et al. (1991) have revealed the effect of T. procumbens on wound healing and lysyl oxidase activity, which have been supported by recent studies. The present study focused on the ethnomedical practices of T. procumbens in the state of Odisha as it is a common plant used by the tribal and surrounding villagers of Odisha, particularly Koraput district. However, the traditional uses of the plant do not necessarily imply clinical evidence. More preclinical and clinical trials are needed to ascertain its dose-dependent effect, toxicity, dose, active constituents, and efficacy before it can be recommended for medicinal uses. This review aimed to highlight the botanical description, ethnomedical practices, phytochemistry, pharmacology, and future prospects of T. procumbens.