Oxalis corniculata Linn. (Oxalidaceae): A brief review

Abstract

Oxalis corniculata Linn. is a highly useful and important traditionally used medicinal herbaceous plant which is found in tropical and subtropical areas of the world. The plant is commonly called creeping wood sorrel and it is belonging to the family Oxalidaceae. The plant has been used in different system of traditional medication for the treatment of diseases and ailments of human beings. The present review reveals the diverse ranges of phytomolecules which was previously isolated such as flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins, steroids, polyphenols, glycosidic compounds, lipids and volatile oil. The leaves of the plant contain medicinal substances like isovitexine, flavonoids, and vitexine-2-O-beta-D- glucopyrunoside. It is a rich source of essential fatty acids like palmitic acid, oleic, linolenic and stearic acids. It possesses various important pharmacological activities like antioxidant, anti-cancer, anthelmintic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, astringent, diuretic, febrifuge, cardio-relaxant and stomachic properties. These reports are very encouraging and indicated that the herb should be studied more details for its future therapeutic benefits. The current review article briefly describes the botanical features, ethnomedicinal uses, pharmacological properties and phytochemical composition of this medicinal herb. The present study is an attempt to combine and document the necessary information on different aspects of Oxalis corniculata and highlights the need for research and development.