Phytochemistry, pharmacology, and botanical aspects of Stachytarpheta species – A review

Abstract

Introduction: Globally, the use of traditional medicines is being encouraged for the treatment of chronic disorders,
as synthetic drugs may cause untoward effects. The genus Stachytarpheta Vahl (Verbenaceae), known as “porter
weed†[English], “gervao,†includes many species widely distributed in tropical and subtropical America and
Africa with few members in tropical Asia and Oceania. It is valued traditionally for its different species that
possess anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, antimicrobial, and antipyretic activities. Interestingly, current
research on genus has revealed the presence of phenylethanoid with various pharmacological properties and
multispectrum therapeutic applications. A relatively large number of studies cited here have adduced the possible
areas where the important species of this genus can exhibit their therapeutic activities in the treatment of chronic
ailments or diseases including ulcers, fever, renal disorders, and atherosclerosis. Materials and Methods: An
extensive search in three electronic databases (Unbound Medline, PubMed, and Science Direct) and internet
search engines (SciFinder and Google Scholar) was used to connote the studies on genus Stachytarpheta.
Results and Discussion: This review amplifies the recent studies on phytochemical and pharmacological aspects,
which alludes, these species have excogitated with noteworthy therapeutic activities. Conclusion: The present
piece of write up will also draw the attention of scientists toward the issues and challenges associated with the
probable approaches that may be reconnoitred to encourage people take the maximum benefit of these potentially
useful species.