Cnidoscolus aconitifolius: Nutritional, phytochemical composition and health benefits – A review

Abstract

Cnidoscolus aconitifolius belonging to Euphorbiaceae family is widely used as a folk medicine among South American countries such as Mexico and Brazil. C. aconitifolius can be considered as a potential green leafy vegetable, largely due to the presence of various secondary metabolites. The different bioactive compounds such as phenolic acids, Alkaloids, saponins, flavonoids etc. along with terpenoids with unique structure are exclusive for this genus. C. aconitifolius has numerous nutraceutical benefits proven with pharmacological studies such as anti-diabetic, hepatoprotective, anti-microbial etc. The recent upsurge of consumer interest for health promoting products has opened up new vistas for C. aconitifolius application in food product research and development. Limited knowledge about this underutilized plant is representing an opportunity to explore the plant as novel ingredient with vast functional attributes. Keywords: Cnidoscolus aconitifolius, phytochemicals, nutraceutical potential, biological activity, diabetes