A review on the health benefits of Monechma ciliatum (Black mahlab): A potential functional food

Background: Monechma ciliatum (MC) (Acanthaceae family) is a herb that grows in tropical and subtropical regions. It grows with small, brownish-black seeds. This is why the Sudanese people call it the “black mahlab”. This plant is primarily used in traditional meals, as well as the production of medical treatments and perfumes. Additionally, the seeds of the Monechma ciliatum plant are rich in fats, proteins, minerals, and other essential nutrients. It also functions as an effective laxative. As a result, this plant is commonly found as a supplement in cereal to enrich nutritional value. This review explores the nutritive value, antioxidants, antimicrobial, medicinal, cosmeceutical, and oxytocic properties of Monechma ciliatum seeds, leaves, and stem. To prepare this review, we researched published scientific literature by using the following keywords: “Monechma”, “Antioxidants”, “Antimicrobial”, nutritional”, “Monechma ciliatum”, “Monechma phenolics”. Our search was carried out in PubMed and Google Scholar databases and included original research from the past 25 years in English only. A total number of 50 original papers, which mentioned the phytochemistry, nutritional, biological, and medicinal properties of Monechma ciliatum were selected and considered for this review. Keywords: Monechma ciliatum, black mahlab, nutritional, antioxidants, Antimicrobial, oxytocic