Gomphrena celosioides Mart.: A review of traditional uses, phytochemistry and pharmacology

Gomphrena celosioides Mart. (Family: Amaranthaceae) is a herbaceous plant that is commonly found in India. It has a rich phytochemical profile and diverse ethnomedicinal applications, due to which scientific community showed interest in this plant. Since this plant has long been used in different traditions to treat conditions like fever, bronchial asthma, diabetes, hypertension, jaundice, oliguria, etc., it possesses a lot of potential in developing as a herbal medicine. Phytochemical studies found many bioactive compounds such as aurantiamide, aurantiamide acetate, 4-hydroxybenzoic acid, 4-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzoic acid, stigmasterol, sitosterol, etc. which might be responsible for its use as a medicine. Pharmacological studies have shown its antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antimalarial, diabetes-fighting, and liver-protecting effects, which in turn back up many of its traditional claims. Although the data available in this plant appears to be reliable but there is a lack of extensive research on its functionality, mechanism of action and safety. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the phytochemistry, pharmacological potential and traditional uses of G. celosioides. The focus will be on the value of the plant in drug discovery and the need for further research to confirm and apply its medicinal characteristics. Also, this information serves as a valuable resource for scientists and researchers who are going to explore this plant for further studies/investigations. By synthesizing existing research and identifying gaps in knowledge, it will act as the foundation for additional investigations that could unlock new medicinal applications of this plant and contribute to the field of natural product drug discovery.