The pharmacological aspects of Merremia tridentata: A Comprehensive review

Abstract

Ayurveda, the traditional Indian medical system, emphasises a natural, all-encompassing approach to mental and physical wellness. The ayurvedic treatment method heavily relies on plant based preparations, making it one of the oldest healthcare systems in the world. Most of the traditional ayurvedic remedies are polyherbal, combining three to thirty different plants and considered to be have a little or no side effects. However, consuming ayurveda remedies without guidance may cause major health problems. Therefore, for their safe selection and consumption, a full understanding of the medicinal plant and its action is required. The present work focuses on the review of an ayurvedic plant, Merremia tridentata, which is the source of an ayurvedic medicine ‘Prasarani’ in India. It is attributed with astringent, aphrodisiac, laxative and bitter properties. In Ayurveda, the plant has been in medical use since Samhita period and is used for various ailments such as piles, swellings, body pain, tooth ache, ulcers rheumatic affections, stiffness of joints hemiplegia, urinary infections and general debility. Ethnomedicinal uses, phytochemistry and biological activities revealed that M. tridentata is a promising medicinal plant with various pharmaceutical potentials. This study would be an evidence for further investigations related to its pharmacological aspects.