Boerhavia diffusa L.: Integrative Traditional Uses, Phytochemistry, Pharmacological Properties, and Quality...

Boerhavia diffusa L., a perennial herb from the Nyctaginaceae family, is native to the tropical and subtropical regions of Asia and surrounding continents. Revered in traditional medicine in India, China, and Japan, it is primarily used to treat liver ailments, kidney disorders, cardiovascular diseases, and urinary tract infections. In recent years, its therapeutic potential has drawn significant attention in modern scientific research. This review explores B. diffusa's traditional uses, phytochemical profile, pharmacological effects, and the advanced analytical methods employed to standardize its herbal formulations. A systematic review of literature from 1979 to 2025 was conducted, drawing from databases like PubMed, Google Scholar, and other sources. This review study identified 132 phytochemicals in B. diffusa, including rotenoids, flavonoids, alkaloids, and terpenoids, many of which exhibit antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. However, a substantial portion of these compounds remains underexplored in terms of their pharmacological potential. Analytical methods, including HPTLC, HPLC, and GC-MS, were employed to identify bioactive markers for quality control and standardization. The results validate the therapeutic value of this species, aligning with its traditional uses and supporting its medicinal properties. However, future research should focus on uncovering molecular mechanisms, enhancing quality control measures, and exploring the herb's full pharmacological potential for integration into modern medical practices. The overexploitation of this species for use in medicine has led to the decline of the wild population; therefore, community-based cultivation and conservation of the natural population is recommended.