Phytochemistry, Pharmacology and Therapeutic Application of Oxalis Corniculata Linn. - a Review

Oxalis corniculata Linn. commonly known as creeping woodsorrel belonging to the family Oxalidaceae, is one of the most recent focus plant species in India. It is a medicinally important plant indigenous to tropical and subtropical regions of the world. The plant Oxalis corniculata Linn. has been used in different system of traditional medication for the treatment of diseases and ailments of human beings. The review reveals that wide ranges of phytochemical constituents have been isolated from the plant like flavonoids, tannins, phytosterols, phenol, glycosides, fatty acids, galactoglycerolipid and volatile oil. The leaves contain flavonoids, iso vitexine and vitexine-2”-O-beta-D-glucopyrunoside. It is rich source of essential fatty acids like palmitic acid, oleic, linoleic, linolenic and stearic acids. It has been reported that the plant contains anti-inflammatory, anxiolytic, anticonvulsant, antifungal, antiulcer, antinociceptive, anticancer, antidiabetic, hepatoprotective, hypolipidemic, abortifacient, antioxidant, diuretic, antimicrobial and wound healing properties. This article briefly reviews the botany, pharmacology, biochemistry and therapeutic application of the plant. This is an attempt to compile and document information on different aspects of Oxalis corniculta Linn. and highlight the need for research and development.