A Review on Ethnomedicinal Claims of Desmodium Triquetrum (L.) DC.

Abstract

Desmodium triquetrum (L.) DC.is synonym of Tadahagi triquetrum (L.) H.Ohashi belongs to the family Fabaceae. Desmodium triquetrum (L.) DC. is traditionally used  in common cold, sore throat, hemoptysis due to lung diseases, hepatomegaly, enteritis,  traumatic injury, etc. Aim: The aim of this review is to provide comprehensive information on  ethnomedicinal claims of Desmodium triquetrum (L.) DC. from published literatures,  books related to ethnobotany and ethnomedicine.  Materials and Methods: All the available information on Desmodium triquetrum (L.)  DC.was collected via published literatures, books like Medicinal plants of Gujarat,  Reviews on Indian medicinal plants, The wealth of India NISCAIR, etc. The obtained  information was distributed into part-wise ethnomedicinal claims, region-wise  traditional claims, local names in different languages, and therapeutic indications.Result: It has been found to be reported in more than 23 states in India, widely  distributed in western parts of India common in Maharashtra, Kerala, Karnataka,  Gujarat etc.Its root, leaves, and the whole plant has been recommended in 19 different  diseases both externally and internally. The whole plant has maximum application in  12 different diseased conditions, followed by root and leaves in 4 and 3 diseases  respectively.  Conclusion: Desmodium triquetrum (L.) DC. is widely used for treatment of chronic  cough and tuberculosis and also, the leaves have been used as a substitute for tea by  hill tribes in upper Assam. As the findings, Desmodium triquetrum (L.) DC. need to  explore with the help of detailed investigation, especially through pharmacological  properties.