Bioactive constituents and pharmacological effects of oxalis species: From tradition to science

Abstract

The genus Oxalis encompasses several species with significant ethnomedicinal relevance and pharmacological potential, including Oxalis triangularis, Oxalis debilis, Oxalis tuberosa, and Oxalis stricta. Traditionally used across various cultures for treating ailments such as infections, inflammation, diabetes, liver disorders, and wounds. Phytochemical analyses reveal that these species contain diverse secondary metabolites such as flavonoids, phenols, tannins, alkaloids, steroids, and anthocyanins contribute to potent antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, and wound healing activities. For instance, O. triangularis exhibits strong radical scavenging ability and antibacterial efficacy, O. debilis shows promising antidiabetic and hepatoprotective effects, O. tuberosa is rich in polyphenols and anthocyanins with notable antioxidant capacity, while O. stricta demonstrates significant hepatoprotective and antimicrobial potential. Extraction techniques using solvents like ethanol and methanol efficiently isolate these compounds, with assays such as DPPH, ABTS, and phosphomolybdate confirming their antioxidant profiles. Although scientific research on some species remains limited, the convergence of traditional knowledge and preliminary pharmacological data underscores the therapeutic promise of Oxalis species. Future detailed phytochemical characterizations and clinical evaluations are warranted to develop standardized herbal formulations and nutraceuticals from these plants, potentially addressing oxidative stress-related diseases, infections, and metabolic disorders.