Phytochemistry, pharmacology, and botanical aspects of Stachytarpheta species – A review

Introduction: Globally, the use of traditional medicines is being encouraged for the treatment of chronic disorders, as synthetic drugs may cause untoward effects. The genus Stachytarpheta Vahl (Verbenaceae), known as “porter weed” [English], “gervao,” includes many species widely distributed in tropical and subtropical America and Africa with few members in tropical Asia and Oceania. It is valued traditionally for its different species that possess anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, antimicrobial, and antipyretic activities. Interestingly, current research on genus has revealed the presence of phenylethanoid with various pharmacological properties and multispectrum therapeutic applications. A relatively large number of studies cited here have adduced the possible areas where the important species of this genus can exhibit their therapeutic activities in the treatment of chronic ailments or diseases including ulcers, fever, renal disorders, and atherosclerosis. Materials and Methods: An extensive search in three electronic databases (Unbound Medline, PubMed, and Science Direct) and internet search engines (SciFinder and Google Scholar) was used to connote the studies on genus Stachytarpheta. Results and Discussion: This review amplifies the recent studies on phytochemical and pharmacological aspects, which alludes, these species have excogitated with noteworthy therapeutic activities. Conclusion: The present piece of write up will also draw the attention of scientists toward the issues and challenges associated with the probable approaches that may be reconnoitred to encourage people take the maximum benefit of these potentially useful species.