Review on Sphaeranthus indicus Linn. (Koṭṭaikkarantai)

Abstract

Sphaeranthus indicus Linn. is from the aroma family Asteraceae. It is also known with other synonyms such as Munditika, Mundi, Shravana, Bhikshu, Tapodhana, Mahashravani, Shravanahva, Shravanashirshaka. It is abundantly distributed in damp areas in plains and also as a weed in the rice fields. In the Indian system of medicine, the plant as a whole plant or its different anatomical parts viz., leaf, stem, bark, root, flower and seed are widely used for curing many diseases. The plant is bitter, stomachic, restorative, alterative, pectoral, demulcent and externally soothing. The whole plant and its anatomical parts have been reported with different types of secondary metabolites which include eudesmanolides, sesquiterpenoids, sesquiterpene lactones, sesquiterpene acids, flavone glycosides, flavonoid C-glycosides, isoflavone glycoside, sterols, sterol glycoside, alkaloid, peptide alkaloids, amino acids and sugars. The essential oils obtained from the flowers and whole plants were analyzed by different authors and reported the presence of many monoterpene hydrocarbons, oxygenated monoterpenes, sesquiterpene hydrocarbons and oxygenated sesquiterpenes. The whole plants, its isolated secondary metabolites and different anatomical parts have been reported for ovicidal, antifeedant, anthelmintic, antimicrobial, antiviral, macrofilaricidal, larvicidal, analgesic, antipyretic, hepatoprotective, antitussive, wound healing, bronchodilatory, mast cell stabilizing activity, anxiolytic, neuroleptic, immunomodulatory, anti-diabetic, antihyperlipidemic and antioxidant, antioxidant, central nervous system depressant, anti-arthritic, nephroprotective, anticonvulsant activities and many other activities. It is also effective on psoriasis. In the present paper, the plant is reviewed for its phytochemical and pharmacological reports in detail.

Toxicological studies on the botanical supplement LI12542F6 containing extracts ofSphaeranthus indicusflower heads andMangifera indica(mango tree) bark

“…Sphaeranthus indicus is an aromatic herb, distributed widely in plains throughout India (Ramachandran, 2013). Individual parts or the plant in its entirety are used for managing a variety of ailments owing to a multitude of reported functions.…”

A comparative study of polyherbal Unani formulations in gestational Urinary tract infections

“…aureus, E. coli and P. aeruginosa; also very effective against intestinal pathogenic bacilli [13]. The bicyclic sesquiterpene lactone isolated from the petroleum ether extract of the aerial part of Sphaeranthus was found to be potent against S. aureus, E. coli, Fusarium sp., Helminthosporium sp., and other microorganisms [14]. All parts (fruits, stems, leaves, and roots) of T. terrestris showed antibacterial activity against E. faecalis, S. aureus, E. coli, and P. aeruginosa [15] C. vulgaris exhibited antimicrobial potency against the test organisms such as Bacillus subtilis, S. aureus, E. coli, Salmonella typhimurium, Aspergillus flavus, and Saccharomyces cerevisiae [16].…”

Unani Treatment Decreased Fibrosis and Improved Liver Functions in Decompensated Cirrhosis of Liver: A Case Series

“…Based on this principle, various constituents of given Unani treatment such as earth smoke (Fumaria officinalis), East Indian globe thistle (Tephrosia purpurea), chirata (Swertia chiraita), Indian globe thistle (Sphaeranthus indicus), red sandalwood (Pterocarpus santalinus), black nightshade (Solanum nigrum), chicory (Cichorium intybus) proved as potent antioxidant (inhibiting ROS generation), could be the plausible mechanism of reduction of fibrosis in FibroScan and liver regenerative effect (10)(11)(12)(13)(14)(15). Moreover, these drugs proved helpful for their hepatoprotective and anti-inflammatory activity (15)(16)(17)(18)(19) and persistent inflammation that almost always precedes and accompanies fibrosis. Therefore, medicines that target the inflammatory cascade and mitigate further liver injury (hepatoprotective) are typically designated to possess antifibrotic activity and highlight the anti-fibrotic effect of Unani treatment (9).…”