Gundelia: a systematic review of medicinal and molecular perspective

Gundelia (Gundelia tournefortii L.) is a member of the Asteraceae (Compositae) family which grows in the semi-desert areas of Iran, Jordan, Palestine, Syria, Iraq, Syria, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Anatolia and other countries. Traditionally, G. tournefortii (L.) is used for treatment of liver diseases, diabetes, chest pain, heart stroke, gastric pain, vitiligo, diarrhea and bronchitis. It is also reported to have hypoglycaemic, laxative, sedative, anti-inflammatory, anti-parasite, antiseptic and emetic effects. It has enhanced gingivas and removed water from patients having spleenomegaly. Compounds found in gundelia proved to have several pharmacological effects, e.g. antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, antioxidant, antiplatelet and hypolipemic activities. The observed pharmacological properties indicated a close association of these effects with infectious diseases, digestive disorders, high blood pressure and cancer. In traditional medicine, this plant has been prescribed in many disorders; therefore, clinical trials on the compounds ofgundelia seem essential. This study gives an overview of traditional uses of gundelia, irrespective of pharmacological studies on its effects.