Limnophila heterophylla (Scrophulariaceae): A Review of Chemical and Pharmacological Aspects
Shyamal K. Jash
Department of Chemistry, Krishnachandra College, Hetampur, Birbhum, West Bengal, India.
Dilip Gorai *
Department of Chemistry, Bolpur College, Birbhum, West Bengal, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Limnophila (family: Scrophulariaceae) originates from a Latin word that means pond-loving, indicating its existence in aquatic environments. This is an aquatic, or nearly aquatic, perennial herb found as a submersed, emergent, and amphibious stem plant. Limnophila plants are extensively used in the indigenous system of medicine and are found to be useful and effective. This study offers a review of the chemistry and pharmacology of Limnophila heterophylla (Roxb.) Benth., recognised as one of the most significant plant species in traditional medicine and established as a source of flavonoids, terpenoids, etc. The isolated phytochemicals, as well as different extracts, exhibited some kind of biological activities such as antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and wound healing. Exhaustive research regarding the isolation of more phytochemicals and pharmacology studies on this medicinal plant is still necessary so as to explore the plant regarding its medicinal importance. This review encourages contemporary researchers to undertake further investigations, ultimately facilitating the development of effective drugs derived from Limnophila heterophylla in the near future.
Keywords: Limnophila heterophylla, Scrophulariaceae, taxonomy, chemical constituents, biological activity