A leafy vegetable, Marsilea minuta L.: Review of ethnomedicine, phytochemistry, and pharmacological properties

Abstract

Introduction

Medicinal plants have been a source of therapeutic agents for the treatment and management of various disease conditions in humans and animals. For research on natural products or medicinal plants, the most significant step is proper selection of a plant species. Furthermore, to carry out research in a specific direction, an extensive literature survey and finding the gap is unavoidable. A leafy vegetable, Marsilea minuta L. has been traditionally used for treating different diseases.

Methodology

Literature available in Scopus database was retrieved by using the keyword: Marsilea minuta and all documents were downloaded, screened and considered the traditional uses, phytochemistry and pharmacological activities. In this review, we have compiled the traditional uses, phytochemistry and pharmacological activities of M. minuta. We have also analyzed all the documents and presented some bibliometric research scenario on this plant species.

Results

Traditionally the plant is used in diseases of nervous, digestive, respiratory and cardiovascular system. It is also employed in diabetes, migraine, body pain, insomnia and cough. The major chemical compounds identified in the plant include flavonoids such as quercetin-3-O-glucoside, kaempferol-3-O-glucoside, quercetin-3-O-galactoside, chalcone-3-O-glucoside, quercetin-3-rutinoside, and naringenin-7-O-glucoside; and phenolic acids like gallic acid, caffeic acid, 4-hydroxy-3-methoxy benzoic acid, p-coumaric acid, m-coumaric acid, chromatoropic acid, vanillic acid, syringic acid, ferulic acid, and chlorogenic acid. The plant showed antidepressant, anxiolytic, hepatoprotective, antitussive, antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-aggressive, antipyretic and analgesic activities. The leafy vegetable contains different bioactive compounds, which might be responsible for biological activities. The plant species could be developed as a nutraceutical.

Conclusion

This collection and collation of information confirms the potential of M. minuta as a drug candidate and would be helpful for researchers to further explore this plant species.