Title:A Comprehensive Review on the Traditional Uses, Phytochemical
Compositions and Pharmacological Properties of an Ethnomedicinal
Herb, Paederia foetida
Volume: 10
Author(s): Samir Barai, Subhrajyoti Roy*, Shubham Bhattacharyya and Mayukh Hore
Affiliation:
- Department of Zoology, Immunopharmacology and Molecular cell Biology Laboratory, University of Gour Banga,
Malda, 732103, West Bengal, India
Keywords:
Ethnopharmacology, Phytochemistry, Pharmacology, Bioactive Compounds, Chemical composition, P. foetida
Abstract: Background: Paederia foetida L. (Family – Rubiaceae) is a common herb found
available in the temperate and tropical Asia. The ethnomedicinal applications of this plant are
widely elaborated In Chinese Traditional Medicine, Ayurveda, and other ancient scriptures
throughout the world. Different ethnic groups use this plant in the treatment of alimentary and
digestive disorders, bone related diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, bone fractures as well as in
the ailments of diabetes, coughs, asthma, itches, wounds, body ache, toothache, cancer etc.
Objectives: This comprehensive review aims to provide an insightful understanding of traditional
uses, chemical composition, and pharmacological properties of P. foetida (from 1976 up to
2023), which may provide a foundation for further study and for the proper utilization of P. foetida
resources.
Methods: Literature survey was conducted using known databases and the relevant keywords.
Results: P. foetida has been widely used in Chinese traditional medicine (CTM) for the treatment
of dyspepsia, jaundice, pains, diarrhea and others. Several ethnic groups throughout the
world used this plant to cure common health complaints namely, abdominal pain, gastritis, dysentery,
diarrhoea, constipation, joint pain, etc. A total of 24 bioactive phytocompounds, such as
asperuloside, paederosidic acid, sitosterols, stigmasterol, campesterol, ellagic acid, iridoids, ursolic
acid, epifriedelinol, and others are reported to possess antiulcer, antidiarrheal, antihyperglycemic,
antioxidant, antitussive, anthelmintic, and hepatoprotective activities.
Conclusion: The present review not only summarizes the alternative approaches using this herb
by ethnic people for treating various disorders, but also focuses on the latest scientific investigations
to elucidate different bioactivities of this plant, thereby facilitating the understanding of its
correlation with contemporary pharmacology. However, till date, very few studies elucidated the
biological properties of these phytochemicals that were isolated exclusively from this particular
plant. Moreover, the correlation between phytocompounds from P. foetida and its pharmacological
activities aiming towards clinical drug development is still lacking. Finally, further research
should be oriented towards determining the optimal dosage and toxicological limits, and thereby
providing guidance for clinical applications.