Review on Enhydra Fluctuans

Abstract

Medicinal plants have played an important role since ancient times in treating various kinds of diseases. Increased drug resistance and side effects of pharmaceutical drugs have led to more research-based study on traditionally available plants. Enhydra fluctuans is one such plant which is available abundantly in India especially in the North-Eastern states. It has immense potential as a medicinal plant and also has many beneficial effects such as anticancer, antioxidant, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anti-diarrheal, hepatoprotective and even neuropharmacological effects. These activities can be attributed mainly to the presence of phytochemicals such as flavonoids, alkaloids, saponins, tannins, phenols and carbohydrates. The aim of this paper is to summarize the importance of this plant possessing potent medicinal value and the research work being carried out till now.