A comprehensive review on pharmacological, phytochemical and anticancer potential of Tragia species

Genus Tragia is a member of Euphorbiaceae family and is frequently found in tropical environments. There are more than 150 species in Tragia. Tragia plant is widely distributed in India and East Africa peninsula. Tragia has been designated for multiple medicinal properties including anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, reproductive, diarrhoea, scorpion bite, whooping cough, diabetes etc. These are few medicinal benefits of Tragia. Tragia is also used in ethno medical research. Tragia involucrata, Tragia spathulata, Tragia benthamii, Tragia pluknetii, Tragia urens, Tragia nepetifolia and Tragia urticifolia are the principal species being researched worldwide. By the conventional wisdom, Tragia would be a component in siddha and ayurvedic medicine. Pharmacologically, many phytochemicals including lignans, alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenoids and phenolic substances, have been linked to these characteristics. The combined effects of these phytoconstituents greatly enhance their potential as medicinal agents. Moreover, this review discusses the challenges and future prospects in harnessing the full therapeutic potential of Tragia species. Issues such as standardization of extracts, elucidation of specific active compounds and clinical translation are addressed, highlighting areas that require further research.