Phytochemical and Pharmacological Profile of Desmodium styracifolium (Osbeck) Merr: Updated Review

Abstract

Abstract: Desmodium styracifolium (Osbeck) Merr. is an important traditional medicinal herb documented in the indigenous medicinal systems and used in many folk medicines to treat various ailments. D. styracifolium belongs to the legume family Fabaceae (Leguminosae) and is preferably abundantly found worldwide. The plant possesses various phytochemical and pharmacological activities. Plant’s phytochemical accouter confers significant therapeutic properties and has been used traditionally for treating ailments like pyrexia, stranguria, renal calculi, dysuria, and oliguria. Here, we provide a comprehensive review of scientific findings of D. styracifolium phytoconstituents and their related anti-hypertensive, anti-oxidant, anti-urolithic and hepatoprotective activities in nonclinical in-vitro and in-vivo studies. More than 50 chemical compounds have been reported from D. styracifolium, including flavonoids, terpenoids, glycosides, phenols, and phytosterols. This paper presents a comprehensive analysis of the chemical constituents, pharmacological activities, and ethnomedicinal uses of D. styracifolium, providing scientific evidence for ethnomedicinal claims and opening perspectives for future research.