Tamilnadia uliginosa (Retz) Tirveng and Sastre: Potential Application from Traditional Remedies to Modern Therapeutics

Abstract

Tamilnadia uliginosa (Retz) Tirveng and Sastre (Rubiaceae) is a small edible medicinal plant utilized in traditional remedies. The review aims to report the current information of T. uliginosa based on its botanical and taxonomic description, traditional use, active phytoconstituents, pharmacological use and toxicity. The information on T. uliginosa concerning its journey from traditional application to scientific validation was gathered based on the online survey. The results from the review signify that the different tribes of the communities use the plant to treat patients suffering from diarrhea, dysentery, diabetes mellitus, fever and cough. The scientific investigation reported that the plant has a significant pharmacological activity, viz. antidiarrheal, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, anticancer and antiepileptic activity. Moreover, based on the phytochemical aspects, 15 major polyphenolic phytoconstituents were identified and isolated from the fruits of T. uliginosa. In conclusion, the outcome of this review will create a new therapeutic approach to the identification and isolation of new chemical entities in drug discovery, which are safe and inexpensive. Furthermore, it can help researchers explore further research in clinical studies as well as the isolation of new lead molecules. Graphical abstract: [Figure not available: see fulltext.]. © 2022, The Author(s), under exclusive licence to The National Academy of Sciences, India.