Comprehensive review on traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacological properties and metal nanoparticles of a leafy vegetable, Medicago polymorpha

Abstract

Medicinal plants are considered as one of the main sources of biologically active molecules for various diseases, in addition to their traditional applications. Worldwide, interest on medicinal plants having nutritional value and used as food, is increasing day by day as these can prevent or delay the occurrence of chronic diseases. Further exploration of such plants require a thorough updated information on that plant species to ascertain what is known and what can be done. Medicago polymorpha, also known as Medicago denticulata is an annual dicotyledonous weed of family Fabaceae, which is found as a weed in agricultural lands, road sides and other disturbed areas. Herein, we have compiled the information related to traditional uses, chemical constituents, pharmacological activities and metal nanoparticles of M. polymorpha available in Scopus database, which will be a ready reference for the researchers working on this plant to further explore it. The plant contains a wide range of secondary metabolites and has been scientifically studied for its analgesic, antioxidant, hepatoprotective, antimicrobial, cytotoxic, anthelmintic, antiamnesic, antidiarrhoeal, antifungal, antidiabetic, and immunomodulatory activities.