Boerhaavia Diffusa: Bioactive Compounds and Pharmacological Activities
Harpreet KaurBotany Department, Government College for Girls, Patiala-147001, Punjab, India
Corresponding Author E-mail: harpkaur1987@gmail.com
Abstract: Boerhaavia diffusa belonging to family Nyctaginaceae has a wide distribution, occurring on major part of the globe. It is known as Punarnava in Ayurveda and is a main ingredient in many formulations of Ayurveda. It is used as traditional medicine by indigenous people of many countries in the world for its protective role against inflammation, prostatic hyperplasia, diabetes, cancer, gastrointestinal problems, arthritis etc. The whole plant contains numerous bioactive compounds which are responsible for its pharmacological activities. Experiments are being done to evaluate full potential of the plant. The present review focuses on the bioactive compounds and pharmacological activities of B. diffusa. The study is carried out with the aim that it will be helpful for more research and wide acceptance of B. diffusa so that the plant which till now was used by indigenous people for its medicinal properties will become an ingredient of major mainstream medicines used to treat chronic human ailments.
Keywords: Boerhaavia Diffusa, Bioactive compounds, Pharmacological activities, indigenous, antioxidants Back to TOC