Phytomedicinal properties of Hygrophila schulli (Neeramulliya)

Document Type : Review Article

Authors

1 Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Nugegoda, Sri Lanka

2 Department of Basic Sciences, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Nugegoda, Sri Lanka

3 Department of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Nugegoda, Sri Lanka

4 The Centre for Infectious Diseases and Phytochemical Studies, Faculty of Integrated Life Sciences, Quest International University Perak, Perak, Malaysia

5 Bristol Dental School, University of Bristol, United Kingdom

6 Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Nugegoda, Sri Lanka

Abstract

Hygrophila schulli which is known as “Neermulli’’ in the vernacular is an herbaceous plant native to Sri Lanka. Ancient medicinal literature suggests the use of H. schulli whole plant or its parts for the treatment of different communicable and non-communicable diseases including diabetes mellitus and tuberculosis. Active constituents and secondary metabolites including alkaloids, tannins, steroids, proteins, flavonoids, and glycosides are identified to possess antimicrobial, antitumor, antioxidant, hepatoprotective, anthelmintic, nephroprotective, antidiabetic, anticataract, anti-inflammatory, anti-nociceptive, hematopoietic, diuretic, antiurolithiatic, antipyretic, neuroprotection, and anti-endotoxin activities. In this review, we reviewed clinical studies, patents, and analytical studies from the earliest found examples from 1886 to the end of 2021. We critically analyzed and attempt to summarize the information based on bioactivities and chemical composition of H. schulli plant extracts which will be of future use for researchers in this field.

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Main Subjects

References

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Iranian Journal of Basic Medical Sciences
Volume 26, Issue 9
September 2023
Pages 979-986

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