Ethnomedicinal applications, phytochemistry, and pharmacological properties of Laggera aurita Linn (Asteraceae): A Review

Abstract

Abstract Background The plant Laggera aurita (Asteraceae) is a commonly utilized medicinal plant growing as a weed in African countries used in the treatment of many diseases. Besides, several phytochemical and pharmacological studies were conducted to check its phytocompounds and therapeutic potentials. However, there is unavailable information on the plant documenting its ethnomedicinal uses and medicinal properties. Therefore, the current article aims to provide updated information on the ethnomedicinal values, phytochemical compounds, and therapeutic potentials of Laggera aurita for further studies to develop noble bioactive molecules. Main text Studies regarding the plant Laggera aurita were sourced from online academic databases such as Google Scholar and PubMed. The search terms used include Laggera aurita, ethnomedicinal uses, phytochemistry, pharmacological activity, and toxicology. The plant has ethnomedicinal applications against epilepsy, cancer, atherosclerosis, thrombosis, malaria, fever, pain, stomatitis, asthma, bronchitis, nasal congestion, infections, rheumatism, dyspepsia, indigestion, constipation, dysentery, and many more. Several phytochemical agents were isolated from various plant parts. Besides, pharmacological studies have shown that the plant has antipyretic, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, anticonvulsant, anxiolytic, antimicrobial, antimalarial, and antioxidant effects. Conclusions Various pharmacological evaluations conducted on the plant have validated the traditional values of the plant Laggera aurita. However, more research is paramount to validate many of the reported traditional uses. Also, the phytochemical molecules need to be screened for biological properties to develop potential therapeutic agents. The plant is relatively safe on sub-chronic administration and slightly toxic in acute studies. Hence, further toxicological studies on the plant are required to establish its safety. There is a need to also standardize doses to establish safety and efficacy.