Phytochemical and Pharmacological Properties of Oxalis Corniculata: A Review

Plants have been utilized globally for ages as natural remedies for different ailments. Oxalis corniculata Linn., usually termed as creeping wood sorrel, being a valuable, endangered medicinal herb found in tropical and subtropical regions. This review explores its extensive chemical composition, including glycosides, volatile oils, lipids, tannins, polyphenols, alkaloids, flavonoids, steroids. The plant's leaves are particularly rich in medicinal compounds like flavonoids, vitexine-2-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside, isovitexin as well as essential fatty acids such as stearic , palmitic, linolenic, oleic acids. Additionally, it demonstrates a broad spectrum of pharmacological activities, encompassing antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, astringent, anthelmintic, febrifuge, cardio- relaxant, diuretic and stomachic properties. Subjective and quantitative data were gathered from about 93 articles. The Review's search included data sets from Research Gate, PubMed, Google Scholar and other relevant published materials.These research papers globally have explored the biological, pharmacological and isolation of biologically active compounds and metabolites in this plant. These reports are promising, suggesting further detailed investigation into the herb for potential therapeutic benefits in the future. This review offers a succinct overview of the medicinal plant, covering its botanical characteristics, traditional medicinal applications, pharmacological attributes and chemical composition. This study aims to consolidate and record the fundamental details related to Oxalis corniculata, underscoring the importance of continued research and advancement in this area.