Phytochemical, botanical and Ethnopharmacological study of Scoparia dulcis Linn. (Scrophulariaceae): A concise review

Abstract

The ancient world had huge faith on the herbal medicines for curing various ailments. Scoparia dulcis Linn. is a medicinal herb of family Scrophulariaceae is considered to be one of such plants which have remarkable curative property. Scoparia dulcis is the commonly known as Sweet broom weed and is distributed throughout the tropical and subtropical region of the world. This herbaceous weed comprises of typical morphological characteristics which are of great use. Dried or fresh leaves, fruits and some other parts of plant serve the purpose of providing with essential components for the body metabolism. Some of the scientific studies demonstrated about the bioactive compounds present in the plant extract. These bioactive compounds were flavonoids, polyphenols, tannins and terpenoids. The fresh and the dried leaves of the herb showed its richness in ascorbic acid content. Scoparic acid, scopadulcic acid, scopadulciol, scopadulin and ammelinare is the major chemical components to which have contributed to the medicinal effect of the plant. Ethnomedicinal application of this herb revealed its uses for diabetes, jaundice, stomach problems, skin disease, fever, kidney stones, reproductory issues and piles. Evidences reported its flawless activity in anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, anti-ulcer, antioxidant, anti-microbial and analgesic illnesses. The current review is concerned with morphological, phytochemical, pharmacological, therapeutic and nutritional aspects of the plant Scoparia dulcis. This review may assist one to acquire encapsulated concept about the herb.