Tridax procumbens L: An Overview of its Pharmacogenetic Profile, Phytochemistry, and Therapeutic Potential

Tridax procumbens L., commonly known as coat buttons or Mexican daisy, is a medicinal plant belonging to the family Asteraceae and is widely distributed in tropical and subtropical regions. Traditionally used in various systems of medicine, the plant has attracted considerable scientific interest due to its diverse phytochemical composition and reported therapeutic properties. This review provides an overview of the pharmacognostic profile, phytochemical constituents and therapeutic potential of T. procumbens, with emphasis on its botanical identification, microscopic characteristics and pharmacological relevance. The pharmacognostic evaluation includes macroscopic and microscopic features of different plant parts, powder microscopy, quantitative leaf constants and physicochemical parameters, which contribute to plant authentication and quality assessment. Phytochemical investigations have reported the presence of several classes of secondary metabolites, including flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins, saponins, steroids, terpenoids and carotenoids. These constituents are associated with various pharmacological activities, including antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, wound-healing, antidiabetic, hepatoprotective and immunomodulatory effects. Evidence from experimental studies involving in vitro investigations and animal models highlights the potential therapeutic applications of this plant. Furthermore, the review considers the available research on its phytochemical characterization and pharmacological activities to understand the relationship between its chemical constituents and reported biological effects. Despite promising findings, variations in extraction methods, phytochemical composition, study designs and standardization approaches limit direct comparison between investigations. Further research involving compound isolation, characterization, toxicity assessment, standardized preparations and well-designed clinical studies is necessary to establish its therapeutic efficacy and safety. Overall, T. procumbens represents a promising source of bioactive phytoconstituents with potential pharmaceutical relevance.