Abstract

A REVIEW OF THE PHARMACOLOGICAL POTENTIAL OF TRIDAX PROCUMBENS: ANTIMICROBIAL, HEPATOPROTECTIVE, AND ANTICANCER ACTIVITIES

Pooja Anekar, Priti Bhomkar, Aaditya Sharma and Ms. Komal Pawar*

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Abstract

Tridax procumbens, commonly known as coatbutton or tridax daisy, is a species of flowering plant in the Asteraceae family, widely recognized as a pervasive weed and pest. Native to the tropical Americas, including Mexico, it has spread globally to tropical, subtropical, and mild temperate regions, and is listed as a noxious weed in the United States with pest status in nine states.[1] Despite its weed status, extracts of Tridax procumbens have shown various pharmacological effects.[2] Tridax procumbens exhibits antimicrobial activity against bacteria like Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, and antifungal properties against Candida species. It has hepatoprotective effects, potential in cancer treatment, reduces blood glucose, improves lipid metabolism, and possesses significant antioxidant properties. The plant promotes wound healing and has antiinflammatory effects by inhibiting COX-1 and COX-2. Additionally, it shows strong repellency, underscoring its diverse pharmacological potential.

Keywords: Tridax procumbens, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, antimicrobial, hepatoprotection, anti-oxidant, anti-fungal, anti-cancer, wound healing, malarial vector repellency, antiurolethic activity.