A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW ON MEDICINAL IMPORTANCE OF TRIDAX PROCUMBENS LINN

Abstract

Tridax procumbens Linn. (Compositae) is a weed found throughout India. Tridax procumbens is a species of flowering plant in the daisy family. It is best known as a universal weed and pest plant. They are commonly known as “Ghamara”, in English mainly called ‘coat buttons’ and some of the practitioners of Ayurveda is dispensed for “Bhringraj”. It is rich with carotenoids, saponins, oleanolic acid and ions like sodium, potassium and calcium. Tridax procumbens is having several potential therapeutic activities like antiviral, antioxidant, antibiotic efficacies; wound healing activity, insecticidal, anticancer, Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity. Luteolin, glucoluteolin, quercetin and isoquercetin have been reported from its flowers. The phytochemical screening of Tridax procumbens indicated the presence of Alkaloids, Reducing sugars, Glycosides, Carotenoids, Flavonoids, Fumaric acid, tannins, Saponins and Gums. It has also known for its number of pharmacological activities like hepatoprotective activity, antidiabetic activity, bronchial catarrh, hypotensive effect, immunomodulating property, dysentery, diarrhea and antimicrobial activity against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. The leaf juice possesses to stop bleeding as a hair tonic, antiseptic, insecticidal and is also used to alleviation haemorrhage from cuts, bruises and wounds insect repellent.

KEY WORDS: Tridax procumbens, Weed, Pharmacological potential.