Title:Ethnopharmacology and Phytochemistry of Selected Species of Boerhavia
Occurring in India: A Review
Volume: 9
Issue: 2
Author(s): Mandar Mahendra Muley, Shrusti Mahesh Doshi, Alok Goyal and Sanjay M. Jachak*
Affiliation:
- Department of Natural Products, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, S A S Nagar, Punjab,
India
Keywords:
Boerhavia, Commicarpus, taxonomy, ethnomedicinal use, ethnopharmacological appraisal, phytoconstituents.
Abstract:
Background: The plant species belonging to the genus Boerhavia (Nyctaginaceae) have
been used extensively in ethnomedicine and Ayurveda in India. Rakta punarnava and Sveta punarnava
are two of the species mentioned in various Ayurvedic formulations. Other species of Boerhavia,
though not found in the Indian system of medicine, do hold importance in ethnomedicine systems
in India and other countries.
Objective: Boerhavia, a polymorphic genus, has been treated as a single genus encompassing species
belonging to a morphologically related genus, Commicarpus. Owing to this taxonomic quandary
with regard to the merger or separation of the two genera by different workers, there are different
reports on the number of species belonging to this genus. This has further resulted in flawed reporting
of ethnomedicinal as well as ethnopharmacological studies. The present review focuses on resolving
any confusion regarding taxonomic treatment and highlighting the ethnomedicinal uses supported
by ethnopharmacological data and the phytochemistry of Boerhavia and Commicarpus species
found in India.
Conclusion: In India, four species of Boerhavia and two species belonging to Commicarpus are
found. The literature survey revealed that except for B. diffusa, no other species of Boerhavia has
been explored in detail. This presents an opportunity to conduct research on Boerhavia species and
find new phytochemicals with promising therapeutic effects.