Pharmacological activities and effective in-vitro propagation of Tridax procumbens: An ethnomedicinal powerhouse plant

Abstract

Tridax procumbens is an invasive yet pharmacologically valuable weed widely distributed across India.
This review consolidates current knowledge on its botanical traits, phytochemical diversity, toxicological
aspects, and pharmacological potential, with emphasis on its ethnobotanical relevance among tribal
communities such as the Paliyar and Kuruma. The study highlights recent evidence supporting its
antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, hepatoprotective, and wound-healing properties, linked to
its diverse secondary metabolites. Notably, advances in tissue culture techniques demonstrate the
potential of optimizing plant growth regulators to enhance biomass and metabolite yield, providing a
sustainable strategy for large-scale bioactive compound production. Despite its wide traditional use,
systematic studies delineating specific bioactive molecules and their mechanisms remain limited,
underscoring the need for targeted molecular and clinical investigations to fully harness the therapeutic
promise of T. procumbens.