PHARMACOLOGICAL IMPORTANCE OF HERNIARIA GLABRA AND HERNIARIA HIRSUTA - A REVIEW

Phytochemical analysis and pharmacological studies revealed that Herniaria glabra contained triterpene saponins: herniaria saponins I-VII [aglycones medicagen, gypsogen, 16-hydroxy-medicagen], flavonoids and hydroxycoumarins: umbelliferone, herniarin, phenolic acids, tannins and essential oil, while, Herniaria hirsuta contained phenolics, flavonoids, flavonols and saponins. The total flavonoid content of Herniaria hirsuta was 4.51% and the total saponin content was 12.74%. Herniaria glabra possessed hypotensive, diuretic, antiurolithiasis, antimicrobial, insecticidal and antioxidant effects, while, Herniaria hirsuta possessed antiurolithiasis, antioxidant, cytotoxic and antibacterial effects. The current review highlighted the chemical constituents and pharmacological effects of Herniaria glabra and Herniaria hirsuta. Keywords: Herniaria glabra, Herniaria hirsuta, chemical constituents, pharmacology